Preparing for the Auto Show
Daihatsu is preparing to make a loud statement at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, which opens its doors to visitors on January 9. Their exhibition will include a heavily modified Hijet truck in the form of a dump truck, a Tanto model with an excessively large grille, and a sportier version of the Move minivan.
Chrome Sensation
Undoubtedly, the center of attention will be the chrome-covered and illuminated Hijet Truck concept, resembling a traveling festival. Between the mirror-polished inserts, special lighting elements, and unique graphic livery, it’s impossible to miss.
The body is adorned with hand-painted illustrations depicting each generation of the Hijet, as well as paying tribute to the retro Midget model. And, as if this visual brilliance wasn’t enough, 14 round LED lights are installed on the rear bumper.
The festive atmosphere doesn’t end there. Additional lighting has been added to the wheels, side panels, front bumper, and even the roof, creating the impression that the truck is moonlighting as a mobile theme park. Inside, the picture becomes even more surreal thanks to upholstery combining floral patterns and portraits of past Hijet models.
More Restrained Concepts
A calmer direction is represented by the Hijet Panel Van Extend3 concept. It maintains a low profile and is equipped with a sliding rear extender designed to increase cargo space when parked. The car also received beadlock-effect wheels, powerful tires, and a practical roof rack.
Another part of the lineup features two concepts based on the latest, seventh-generation Move. The first is the #ootd version with a two-tone exterior, a closed grille, detailed headlight trim, a roof rack, retro wheels, and a denim-themed interior decorated with lifestyle accessories.
Sporty Accent and Urban Style
The second Move concept, named Kuromeki, takes a different path. Here, the emphasis is on a sportier look. It received new alloy wheels, a matte gray coating, and sharper body kits, with the illuminated grille and mirror caps looking as if made of forged carbon fiber. The interior of this model is executed in dark tones with Alcantara.
Completing the show is another Kuromeki concept, this time based on the Tanto Custom. It is dressed for night city life with a completely redesigned front end featuring a giant grille that occupies almost the entire bumper.
This look is inspired by larger minivans like the Toyota Vellfire, but scaled down to kei-car dimensions. The effect is almost surreal. The front end consists almost entirely of the grille, framed by thin vertical daytime running lights and a low splitter that visually widens the car.
Other enhancements include a new rear apron, new wheels, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a custom interior with gray and purple upholstery.
Surprise from Gazoo Racing
Daihatsu has also released a preview image of its stand at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon. Notably, it features a section marked as Daihatsu Gazoo Racing, behind which five more concepts are hidden under covers.
Although nothing is said about these models in the release, one of them could be a GR-branded version of the Daihatsu Copen. The other four appear to be minivans, possibly modified with sportier body kits and more aggressive chassis settings.
Daihatsu’s presentation at the auto salon clearly demonstrates two parallel strategies: experimenting with extremely bold, almost art-installation design for commercial kei cars, and developing a more mature, sporty image through collaboration with Gazoo Racing. This may indicate the brand’s desire to expand its target audience, attracting both traditional fans of utilitarian models and a new generation interested in performance and individuality. The hidden concepts under the covers leave room for the most interesting announcements that could redefine the perception of compact car capabilities.