Daihatsu Midget
The Daihatsu Midget is a three-wheeled vans, the Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.. produced from 1957. After the Toyota four-wheel drive Toyota Toyoace built larger than the previous pickups, demand fell due to the higher price. However, there is still great demand for vehicles that could be driven without a driver's license, and so Daihatsu took over the area and developed the Midget. Midget is translated in English " a little thing "; Therefore, Daihatsu gave his three-wheeled mini- transport vehicle that name. For the launch of the Daihatsu Midget sponsored the comedy Apartment ends meet, whereby the Midget overnight became known and developed into a bestseller. The increased security requirements and comfort preferences ended in 1972, the long production time of the Midget in Japan. In the program, he was replaced by the Daihatsu Hijet. Only years later Daihatsu Daihatsu Midget II engagement with the concept again.
Midget DK (1957-1959)
Daihatsu Midget DK
In August 1957, the production of the pickup started. Powered by an air-cooled 250 cc single-cylinder two-stroke petrol engine ( ZA) with 10 hp could a top speed of 65 km / h with a payload of 300 kg can be achieved. While only one seat in the driver's compartment was possible, could sit on the bed of 2 persons. The cabin interior had to be accepted by means of strips to the windshield.
Midget MP (1959-1972)
Daihatsu Midget MP4
In October 1959, the MP4 came on the market. The Midget now had an enclosed cab with a larger porch and two front headlights. There were now two seats in front, while at the same time the load length had increased by 20 cm. In addition to the ZA was now also the ZD- engine offered with a maximum power of 12 hp at 305 cc. The payload was 350 kg. As of 1961, the Midget was built in Pakistan. Published in 1962 the MP5, a closed van, with another 10 cm longer load length. In 1972 the production was stopped because of the increased security needs and comfort preferences in Japan. In addition to production in Pakistan, the Midget MP4 is produced as Chinnaraje Midget in Chiang Mai and as a tuktuk Midget MP4 in Bangkok today in Thailand. The MP5 is also still built by tuktuk Co.Ltd in Bangkok.
Midget II (1996-2001)
Daihatsu Midget II
In the 1990s, Daihatsu wanted to produce a commercial vehicle because of ever becoming limited traffic area and the increased vehicle weights and dimensions, which was nimble and had a high payload. For the first time presented a Daihatsu 1993 study at the 30th Tokyo Motor Show. The response was very big and you developed the study continued for Midget and placed it in 1995 at the 31st Tokyo Motor Show before. Even then, there were numerous pre-orders for the new model. It was about half the weight as a Daihatsu Hijet, had a turning circle of just 7.2 meters, and the spare wheel was mounted to save space at the bow. From Hijet numerous parts have been adopted, as well as the engine, which facilitated the production and the production costs lowered. Together, these measures resulted in about half of the consumption of a comparable Hijet.
In January 1996, the type K100P appeared in so-called truck version ( Pick Up ) with 2 seats front, 4 -speed manual transmission, 3-cylinder 659 cc SOHC petrol engine with 31 PS, 10 -inch wheels, 4 drum brakes and all-wheel drive. The Midget Cargo was released in January 1997. It was a van. Optionally, there was now a 3 - speed automatic transmission. In October 1997 a passenger version of the Midget Cargo appeared with glazed side windows at the rear and a 3-seater bench, also available in a special version with two -tone paintwork and leather-covered seat cushions and steering wheel control.
As of October 1998, air conditioning was available as an extra. In September 1999, there were minor improvements to increase security, including belt force limiters and, on request driver's airbag. In addition, motor and gear ratio were revised to reduce pollution and fuel consumption. The dimensions of the vehicle thereby changed slightly.
In June 2001, production ended.