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• NEWDec. 20, 2021

Daihatsu Launches New Hijet Cargo, Atrai and Hijet Truck Mini Commercial Vehicles

Dec. 20, 2021
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Daihatsu”) announced that it has fully redesigned the Hijet Cargo and Atrai mini commercial vehicles, along with the special-purpose vehicles and welfare vehicles that are based on these vehicles, for the first time in 17 years^*1. Daihatsu has also partially redesigned the special-purpose vehicles based on the Hijet Truck. Nationwide sales of all models are slated to start on December 20.

The Hijet series has been a long-selling series that has continued to pursue customer needs and evolve with the changing times since it was first released in 1960 as Daihatsu’s first mini four-wheeled vehicle. It has been cherished by customers as a “working partner” in a wide range of industries, from primary industries such as agriculture to the construction and delivery industries, in both rural and urban areas nationwide. Its cumulative production has exceeded 7.5 million units^*2.

In order to respond to changes in the mini commercial vehicle environment in recent years, such as labor shortages due to worker diversification, declining birth rates and an aging population, as well as new use applications, Daihatsu has introduced the “Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA)” for the first time in commercial vehicles with this full redesign. The platforms of the Hijet Cargo and Atrai have been updated, and the Continuously Variable Transmission for front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicles (CVT for RWD)^*3 has been used in both vehicles, as well as in the Hijet Truck, a first for mini commercial vehicles^*4. This has resulted in an improvement in basic performance such as fuel efficiency, quiet performance and start-up performance. Additionally, the vehicles have been equipped with features such as the latest Daihatsu Smart Assist^*5 Active Safety System to meet the growing needs for safety and security.

To meet the need to efficiently load large amounts of cargo due to increased last-mile small-lot delivery needs and the trend towards multi-skilled workers in the construction industry, this eleventh generation of the Hijet Cargo has achieved the largest loading space in its class^*6 through the squaring of its body shape. It has also pursued ease-of-use by flattening the sides and floor of the luggage space for more efficient usability without damaging cargo.
The new Atrai has been updated to maximize the usability of its spacious and luggage space with high loading capacity that only a commercial vehicle can offer in order to meet leisure and other needs. It also features an exclusive design and full range of comfortable equipment at an affordable price.
The special-purpose vehicle series, which has the largest share of the mini special-purpose vehicle market^*7, is cherished by many customers for its wide range of variations. With this change, the Deck Van grade is now available for the Atrai, meeting an even wider variety of needs. Additionally, the Hijet Sloper and Atrai Sloper, popular models of the Friendship series which has the largest share of the mini welfare vehicle market^*8, have also evolved to increase the space for wheelchair passengers and improve usability.

Based on its “Light you up” approach, going forward Daihatsu will continue to pursue the ideal form of mini commercial vehicles while remaining close to those working throughout Japan and meeting the various needs of its customers. Daihatsu will also continue to support the lives of every one of its customers to achieve diverse and sustainable growth, thus realizing its SDGs.

*1: First since December 2004 for the Hijet Cargo and first since May 2005 for the Atrai

*2: As of End of November 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Cumulative production unit number only includes Daihatsu (excludes OEM supply).

*3: CVT for front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicles

*4: As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

*5: Smart Assist is intended to support driving by the driver, and therefore, there are limitations to its functions and it may not operate depending in road surface, weather and other conditions. Please drive safely without over relying on this function. For details, please inquire with a sales company or refer to the user manual.

*6: Largest in its class in terms of luggage space length/width (with four passengers aboard)/height as a mini cab-over van. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles with the same figures.

*7: Japan Mini Vehicle Association document “Mini special-purpose vehicle units by category” (Sales numbers) FY2020 (April 2020~March 2021), according to research conducted by Daihatsu.

*8: Mini welfare vehicles “Wheelchair-accessible vehicles, seat left vehicles, turn seat vehicles, vehicles with driving assist devices” FY2020 (April 2020~March 2021), ranked #1 in sales for mini welfare vehicles domestically, according to research conducted by Daihatsu.

Main Common Features of All Three Models

Superior basic performance and safety performance through the introduction of DNGA

・ Improved fuel efficiency, driving performance and quiet performance through the use of the newly developed CVT for front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicles

・ Improved safety performance through the use of the latest evolved Smart Assist

・ Realization of affordable pricing that is appropriate for mini commercial vehicles

Main Features of Each Model

< New Hijet Cargo >

・ Realization of a flat and easy-to-use luggage space with the largest^*9 luggage space length/width (with four passengers aboard)/height in its class by squaring the body structure

・ Ample storage space and comfortable equipment for efficient and comfortable work

< New Hijet Truck >

・ A full range of comfortable equipment that anyone can use easily in addition to the existing spacious deck space and the interior space that enhances work efficiency

< New Atrai>

・ Conversion to a commercial vehicle registration vehicle to maximize the cargo capacity and loading space of the Hijet Cargo

・ Appropriate comfortable equipment unique to the Atrai to meet leisure and other needs

・ Atrai-exclusive exterior and interior design with a focus on quality

*9: Largest in its class in terms of luggage space length/width (with four passengers aboard)/height as a mini cab-over van. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles with the same figures.

Sales Overview

Monthly sales target: Hijet Cargo　　5,700 units
Hijet Truck　　 6,000 units
Atrai　　　　　1,000 units

Announcement exhibition: January 15 (Saturday) – January 23 (Sunday) 2022

Production Plant

Daihatsu Motor Kyushu Co., Ltd. Oita (Nakatsu) Plant Plant No.1

Vehicle Price Range (including consumption tax)
^{(2WD and 4WD) *Prices for each grade listed below}

Hijet Cargo: from 1,045,000 yen to 1,606,000 yen

Hijet Truck: from 902,000 yen to 1,452,000 yen

Atrai: from 1,562,000 yen to 1,826,000 yen

Vehicle Outline

Ⅰ. Common evolution of all three models

1. First use of DNGA in commercial vehicles, evolution of basic performance and safety performance

(1) Basic performance evolution ~New platform for Hijet Cargo and Atrai, updated power train for Hijet Truck~

<1> Powertrain evolution

Newly developed CVT for front engine/rear-wheel drive vehicles

-　 Realization of equipped under-floor space in mini commercial vehicles through miniaturization

-　 Vast improvement of fuel efficiency, starting performance and quiet performance through the use of CVT, reducing customer stress during operation

<Fuel efficiency>

　　The Hijet Cargo achieves excellent fuel efficiency of 15.6km/L in WLTC Mode (20.5km/L in JC08 Mode)
　　while the Hijet Truck achieves excellent fuel efficiency of 16.5km/L in WLTC Mode (21.0km/L in JC08 Mode)^*10,
　　complying with the standard values of the commercial CAFE^*11 regulations that will be newly applied to
　　light-duty vehicles from 2022.

<Starting/Acceleration>

<Quiet performance>

　　　　The CVT has improved quiet performance, reducing stress while driving

*10: Fuel consumption rates for grades with 2WD/CVT/NA engines (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Test Values).
The fuel consumption rates are values measured under specified test conditions. Fuel consumption rates may vary depending on the customer use environment (weather, traffic congestion, etc.) and driving methods (sudden starts, air conditioner usage, etc.).
WLTC mode is an international driving mode comprising an allocation of average use times in urban, suburban, and highway driving modes.

*11: Abbreviation for Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency, a corporate average fuel efficiency standard.
This is a method for calculating and regulating average fuel efficiency (weighted average fuel efficiency) of a manufacturer as a whole, factoring in the number of units shipped.

Electronically controlled 4WD system

-　 An electronically controlled 4WD system has been used, a first^*12 in its class for CVT vehicles

-　 Customers can select between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK modes at the touch of a button to suit their needs

-　 In 4WD AUTO mode, the optimum front and rear driving torque is distributed according to the road surface. This ensures stability when driving on rough roads and slippery surfaces like snow-covered roads, and also suppresses the tight corner braking phenomenon^*13 that occurs on dry roads.

Super differential lock for CVT (Hijet Truck)

A super differential lock, which was previously only available in MT vehicles, has been equipped in a cab-over mini truck for the first^*14 time in a CVT vehicle, supporting driving on rough roads in muddy conditions

*12: A first for mini cab-over vans and cab-over mini trucks. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

*13: A phenomenon where it seems as if the brakes have been applied when turning with the steering wheel turned fully while driving on a dry paved road in 4WD mode

*14: As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

<2> Vehicle evolution

Body evolution (Hijet Cargo, Atrai)

-　 The structure of the upper and rear underbody frames have been optimized and body rigidity has been increased to achieve a lighter, more stable maneuverability with a larger body. This has also contributed to improved quietness.

Chassis evolution

-　 Suspension geometry has been revised to an optimal structure, and in combination with a high-rigidity body, excellent handling stability and a comfortable riding experience have been achieved even with heavy loads.

(2) Safety performance evolution

Evolved Smart Assist^*15 Active Safety System

-　 Based on the belief that support for safety and security is necessary for daily use mini commercial vehicles, the latest stereo cameras that are used in mini passenger vehicles and compact cars have been installed in all three models

-　 The response speed of the crash-avoidance braking function and collision warning function has been improved, motorcyclists and cyclists have been added to existing vehicle and pedestrian detection, and pedestrians can be detected at night

-　 Erroneous start prevention with brake control (forward and reverse) is now available for MT models

-　 Lane departure prevention function, lane departure alert, lane tracing alert, traffic sign recognition functions (no entry, maximum speed^*16 and stop), side view lamps, and ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam) have been added

-　 Some of the functions of the Hijet Truck were exclusive specifications previously, but with the introduction of DNGA, the latest electronic platform has been installed and Hijet Cargo functions are now available as well

*15: Smart Assist functions are grade-specific and some are manufacturer’s options.

*16: Only when the 6.8-inch smartphone-linked display audio or 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio manufacturer’s options are installed

Use of smart rearview mirror

-　 A digital mirror that displays images from a camera installed in the rear has been used for the first^*17 time in its class, ensuring rear visibility even when the vehicle is fully loaded or when visibility is poor at night

-　 The mode can be changed between mirror mode and digital mode. Additionally, the viewing angle of the camera can be set to the optimal position for each customer, and a position memory function is also available

-　 The image from the rearview camera is displayed when reversing^*18

*17: First time as a manufacturer’s option for mini cab-over vans and cab-over mini trucks. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu.
Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time as a manufacturer’s option at the same time.

*18: When the 6.8-inch smartphone-linked display audio or 9-inch smartphone-linked display audio manufacturer’s options are also installed, the smart rearview mirror will not display the rearview camera image.

2. Daihatsu Connect and Display Audio

-　 Daihatsu Connect, which provides the peace of mind of being connected and comfort and convenience, will be available for mini commercial vehicles for the first time to support customers' peace of mind

-　 Two types of display audio systems, 9-inch and 6.8-inch, are available for the first time^*19, and can be connected to Daihatsu Connect, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay so that customers can use applications with their smartphones

*19: As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies are introducing display audio for the first time at the same time.

Ⅱ.Individual Model Overviews

1. New Hijet Cargo

(1) Vehicle concept ~Extremely Efficient and Dynamic Cargo~

-　 Efficiency has been thoroughly pursued and convenience has been improved, such as the loading capacity to carry a large amount of cargo at once and the ease of loading and unloading, in response to increasing demand for e-commerce and the shift to multi-skilled workers in the construction industry

-　 Functions that are comfortable and can be easily used by everyone have been enhanced in response to the changing needs of customers due to worker diversification

(2) Luggage space and storage that pursues efficiency

Class-leading^*20 and easy-to-use luggage space

-　 The sides and backdoor of the vehicle are as straight as possible and the vehicle has been squared to realize the largest luggage space in its class^*20 (1915mm long x 1410mm wide (with four passengers aboard) x 1250mm high). The front pillars have been raised to increase the head clearance of the front seats and create a spacious interior

*20: First in luggage space length/width (with four passengers aboard)/height for mini cab-over vans. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles with the same figures.

・ Easy to arrange and use for a variety of purposes

-　 Rear seat belt buckles have been integrated with seats and seat-fastening brackets have been embedded into the floor to eliminate unevenness and achieve a flat space where luggage can be inserted and removed easily without damage

-　 The number of luggage space nuts (useful nuts), which are convenient for attaching and securing various types of cargo, have been approximately doubled^*21 from the previous model

-　 Flat luggage space and easier seat storage have been achieved through the redesign of the rear seat structure

*21: 17 nuts are standard in all models. Deluxe, Special Clean and Special grades have 31 nuts.

Ample storage space

-　 Feedback regarding the types and shapes of work tools that are used on a daily basis and how they are stored has been thoroughly considered and many of the requests received have been reflected

-　 The shape of the instrument panel has been revised and a new upper tray has been added. Additionally, by ensuring abundant storage space primarily within reach of the driver’s seat, such as an overhead shelf that utilizes the expanded cabin overhead space, it is now easier to work and access luggage

(3) Ample comfortable equipment

-　 A key-free and push button start system that allows drivers to open and close doors and start the engine without taking out their keys has been introduced for the first^*22 time in its class

-　 Power sliding doors (both sides, with a one-touch open function, welcome open function, and touch and go lock function) and easy-closing sliding doors that reduce operational burden have been introduced for the first^*22 time in its class

*22: First for mini cab-over vans. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

(4) Evolved design

Exterior

-　 Evolution to a simple and powerful design that exemplifies commercial vehicles

-　 The front bumper has been divided into upper and lower halves, allowing just the lower bumper to be replaced, contributing to economically efficient repairs

-　 The position of the rear corporate and vehicle emblems have been moved to the right, allowing for more advertising space

Interior

-　 Large meters that are easy to see, an instrument panel that pursues ease-of-use, and seat covering with improved durability have been used

Color variations

-　 Seven diverse color variations, including three new colors: Ice Green <G62>, Shining White Pearl <W25> and Tonico Orange Metallic <R71>

(5) Hijet Deck Van

-　 Daihatsu’s unique^*23 product that flexibly meets the needs of various industries including construction, agriculture and retail, the Hijet Deck Van can carry dirty tools and wet cargo from construction sites along with tall and bulky cargo in its deck while also carrying a maximum of four passengers

*23: As a 4-seat mini car with an open deck. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu.

2. New Hijet Truck

(1) Vehicle concept ~Versatile Truck~

(Versatile: Multi-load, multi-user, multi-purpose)

-　 Usability and comfort have been improved while maintaining basic functions such as loading capacity due to its a wide deck that has been well received by customers in a wide range of industries including agriculture and construction, as well as durability and rust resistance

-　 Available in a wide variety of colors and a lineup of special-purpose vehicles that meet a wide range of customer needs

(2) Evolved deck and improved interior usability

-　 First-in-class^*24 deck floor length and guard frame deck length^*25 have been maintained while LED deck work lights have been used for convenience during nighttime work

-　 A new upper tray has been installed in the instrument panel to ensure ample storage space

*24: First for cab-over mini trucks. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles with the same figures.

*25: Length of deck from guard frame to tailgate. Jumbo is 1670mm

(3) Ample comfortable equipment

-　 A key-free and push button start system that allows drivers to open and close doors and start the engine without taking out their keys has been introduced for the first^*26 time in its class

-　 First-in-class^*26 electric folding door mirrors have been used for convenient parking in tight spaces

*26: First in cab-over mini trucks. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

(4) Evolved design

Exterior

-　 Evolution to a simple and powerful design that exemplifies commercial vehicles while still considering compatibility with cargo

-　 High quality plated decorations have been used in the high-end Extra grade

-　 Functional parts such as rear backup sonar and corner sensors have been integrated into the garnish to achieve a clean design

Interior

-　 Large meters that are easy to see and an instrument panel that pursues ease-of-use

Color variations

-　 Seven diverse color variations including the new Ice Green <C62>

-　 Fire Quartz Red Metallic <R67> newly available as an exclusive color for the Hijet Jumbo Extra

(5) Evolution of the Hijet Truck Jumbo

-　 Accounting for approximately 20% of all Hijet Truck sales and used in a wide range of applications, the Hijet Truck Jumbo has been given a more affordable new standard grade, making it available in two grades

-　 An overhead shelf above the front seats has been added as standard equipment and usability has been improved

-　 The space behind the front seats improves interior loading capacity, seats can be reclined, and the passenger seat can be adjusted, achieving outstanding convenience and comfort

-　 The Jumbo Extra comes with an exclusive plated front grille, LED headlights and rear combination lights, along with the exclusive Fire Quartz Red Metallic <R67> color

3. New Atrai

(1) Vehicle concept ~Multi-Box with Ultimate Usability~

-　 Evolved with the aim to create a “third living space” aside from home and work

-　 With a focus on the increasing number of new uses for cab-over mini wagons in recent years, including leisure and workcation, the new Atrai features a spacious luggage space that is only possible in commercial vehicles. In addition, Atrai-unique innovations have been used, including passenger vehicle-like equipment and interior and exterior designs that focus on quality

2) Luggage space that can be used for a variety of purposes

Conversion to a commercial vehicle registration vehicle to maximize luggage space

-　 To take advantage of the spacious luggage space that only a commercial vehicle can offer and a maximum payload^*27 of 350kg, the Atrai Wagon, which was previously available as a mini passenger vehicle, has been converted to a commercial vehicle registration vehicle

-　 As with the Hijet Cargo, an easy-to-use flat luggage space that has been maximized by squaring the vehicle body has been achieved

*27: When two passengers are aboard. Maximum payload when four passengers are aboard is 250kg

Luggage space unique to the Atrai that accommodates leisure and other new uses

-　 Easy-care mats that can be easily cleaned even when carrying surfboards or dirty outdoor equipment

-　 Equipped with luggage space nuts (useful nuts) and multi-hooks that are convenient for attaching and securing a wide variety of cargo

-　 Rear window with a pop-up mechanism for ventilation and achieving a comfortable interior space while staying overnight in the car

-　 Storage space such as cup holders and deck-side pockets to improve rear-seat comfort

-　 Deck-side trim with a slit that can be combined with luggage boards optimal for workcations and other applications

(3) Comfortable equipment and functions that can be used like a passenger vehicle

Ample comfortable equipment

-　 A key-free and push button start system that allows drivers to open and close doors and start the engine without taking out their keys has been introduced for the first^*28 time in its class

-　 Power sliding doors and easy-closing sliding doors on both sides have been introduced for the first*28 time in its class for convenient door opening and closing even when both hands are occupied, such as while camping

28: First for a mini cab-over vans. As of December 2021, according to research conducted by Daihatsu. Other companies have vehicles that are using it for the first time at the same time.

Functions to reduce the load from long hours of driving

-　 ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and LKC (Lane Keeping Control), driving load reduction functions of the Smart Assist Active Safety System, have been adopted to reduce customer fatigue even when driving at high speeds for long periods of time, such as for leisure.

(4) Atrai-exclusive interior/exterior design and abundant color variations

-　 All grades feature LED headlights as standard equipment, and a variety of Atrai-exclusive exterior parts have been used, including decorative parts for the plated front grille

-　 Dual-lens meters with high visibility and TFT color multi-information displays have been used

-　 Interior with plated and silver decorations creates a comfortable space

-　 Six color variations, including three new colors: Tonico Orange Metallic <R71>, Shining White Pearl <W25>, Offbeat Khaki Metallic <G55>

(5) New Atrai Deck Van

-　 The Hijet Cargo’s popular Deck Van is now available for the Atrai

-　 The comfortable equipment and high-quality interior and exterior design unique to the Atrai have been maintained, and it has been equipped with an open deck for tough use that can be used for a wide range of leisure activities

-　 A turbocharged engine delivers powerful driving performance to meet a wide range of leisure needs

4.Hijet series special-purpose vehicles

(1) Extensive lineup with 13 models and 17 types (including Deck Van/Two-Seater)

-　 A diverse lineup that only Daihatsu can offer which meets various customer needs that cannot be met by base vehicles alone

-　 Double-side sliding specification (cold storage FRP) has been added to refrigerator trucks

(2) Main evolution points

-　 Smart Assist Active Safety System has evolved in special-purpose vehicles just as it has in base models

-　 Safety performance has been improved by adding an erroneous start prevention with brake control function to the rear of the dump truck series/compact tail lift

-　 Smart rearview mirrors are now standard equipment^*29 on the refrigerator/freezer series/panel vans with cargo boxes, improving rear visibility

*29: Standard equipment on vehicles equipped with the Smart Assist Active Safety System

5. Friendship series (Hijet Sloper and Atrai Sloper welfare vehicles)

(1) Expanded wheelchair space

-　 Interior space has been increased by squaring the body, just as it has in the base model

-　 Winch box has been revised to provide more leg room for wheelchairs

(2) Evolution of welfare functions

-　 Rear seat (passenger side) has been expanded to provide the same level of ride comfort as the front seat while also ensuring the same wheelchair space as conventional models

(3) Improved usability of luggage space

-　 A forward-folding slope mechanism has been used to improve usability in everyday use

Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Prices (including consumption tax)

Prices are recommended retail prices and are intended for reference purposes only. Prices are independently set by sales companies; for further details, please visit your nearest sales company.
Insurance, taxes (excluding consumption tax), automobile recycling fees and fees associated with registration, etc. charged separately.

Hijet Cargo

☆Photos available

*30: Natural Aspiration

*31: Turbo Charger

Hijet Truck

☆Photos available

Atrai

☆Photos available

Special Purpose Hijet Cargo/Atrai

< Two-Seater >

< Deck Van >

Special Purpose Hijet Truck

< Dump Truck Series >

< Lift Series >

< Refrigerator and Freezer Series >

< Panel Van Series >

Friendship Series (Welfare Vehicles) (exempt from consumption tax)