Daihatsu Motor Co. has launched a new minicar, the Naked, on the domestic market in an effort to take advantage of favorable sales of minicars, the automaker announced Thursday.
"Since the new specifications for minicars were introduced in October last year, we have enjoyed favorable sales for 13 months," said Iichi Shingu, president of Daihatsu Motor. "With the Naked, we aim to improve quality and add new value to minicars."
The box-shaped car, with an engine displacement of 660cc, is designed to provide spacious luggage room. It features easily detachable rear seats and doors that open widely, the automaker said.
Hooks and a bar can be attached to the Naked to suit those who have hobbies and lifestyles for which those items are needed, said the automaker, which is targeting men in their 30s.
The Naked is priced between 919,000 yen and 1,199,000 yen. Daihatsu, which is affiliated to Toyota Motor Corp., hopes to sell 3,500 vehicles a month.