Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Daihatsu”) has announced that it has newly developed the “e-SMART HYBRID*1” system ideal for small cars and installed it in the Rocky compact SUV. The new Rocky will go on sale nationwide on November 1.
Based on the basic concepts of “high quality at affordable prices,” “mastering the smallest details,” and “providing advanced technologies to everyone,” Daihatsu has been working to create cars tailored to the lifestyles of its customers, focusing on details even at the level of 1 mm, 1 g, 1 yen, and 1 second.
Recognizing the increasing need for decarbonization, Daihatsu has been comprehensively pursuing optimal electrification for small cars friendly to the environment based on LCA*2. Daihatsu developed its unique e-SMART HYBRID system utilizing the electrified vehicle R&D assets it has accumulated since the 1960s, as well as the Toyota Group’s technologies and know-how. After installing the new system in the new Rocky, the company plans to expand its use to other mini vehicles in the future.
The newly developed e-SMART HYBRID system has adopted a series system, in which the engine generates electricity that is then used to drive the motor. A simple mechanism that uses a newly developed 1.2L engine exclusively for generating electricity has resulted in a compact hybrid system that is ideal for small cars. In addition to highly responsive acceleration and extremely quiet performance provided by the 100%-electric motor drive, optimally controlling electricity generation and charging/discharging has achieved class-leading*3 fuel efficiency*4 among compact SUVs as well as affordable price*5.
The new 1.2L engine will also be installed in two-wheel drive gasoline vehicles. This engine is ideal for daily use as it offers a high level of fuel efficiency performance and enables the car to powerfully and smoothly accelerate due to the increased torque at low rpm. The popular 1.0L turbo engine will also continue to be used in four-wheel drive vehicles. Thus, three types of powertrains, including the hybrid, will be available to satisfy a wide range of customer needs. Daihatsu has also enhanced the product appeal of its cars by, for example, advancing their safety and security performance, as well as adopting electric parking brakes and hybrid-specific designs.
Built on its “Light you up” approach, Daihatsu will continue striving to make high-quality small cars at affordable prices that are tailored to its customers and offer excellent environmental performance based on LCA, toward the realization of a carbon-neutral society.
*1:e-SMART HYBRID
Expresses a high-quality hybrid system at an affordable price by combining the letter “e” from electric and the word “smart.”
*2:LCA(Life Cycle Assessment)
*3:Compact SUV class: Class of hybrid vehicles with 1.5L or smaller displacement that are jeep-type 4WD vehicles according to the Japan Automobile Dealers Association classification that includes station wagons and vans (including two-wheel drive vehicles). As of November, 2021, according to Daihatsu research. Other companies also have vehicles with the same value.
*4:The fuel consumption rate of both the Premium G HEV and X HEV is 28.0 km/L based on WLTC-mode test cycle of values measured by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism) (meets 100% of the FY2030 fuel efficiency standard). Fuel consumption rate is a value measured under specified test conditions. Therefore, actual fuel consumption rate will differ depending on the customer’s usage environment (weather, congestion, etc.) and driving method (abrupt take-off, air conditioner usage, etc.). The WLTC mode is an international driving mode composed of an average of urban, rural and expressway driving cycles.
*5:Manufacturer suggested retail price of 2,116,000 yen for the X HEV (two-wheel drive model).