Daihatsu's new kei car pursues "ease of work" to energize Japan!

Developed incorporating feedback from kei commercial vehicle users across diverse industries, the HiAce Caddy embodies the "Work Made Easy" concept. It achieves six key "ease" features: a floor and seats designed for easy entry/exit, a cargo floor height facilitating loading tasks, adoption of the latest safety equipment including collision avoidance support systems, enhanced handling stability and fuel efficiency, floor materials that are easy to clean and maintain, and optional features selectable according to usage.

While vehicles in this category traditionally prioritized cargo, the company applied technologies honed in kei passenger cars—such as efficient front-wheel-drive layout and a comfortable cabin—to create a light commercial vehicle comfortable for women and seniors to drive.

Senior Executive Officer Toru Ueda explained the changing needs for commercial vehicles and the new concept centered on the user rather than cargo, stating emphatically, "We want to energize Japan through our vehicles."

Actress Momoko Kikuchi, who also serves as a private-sector member of the National Council for All Citizens' Active Participation, commented as a guest: "When I hear 'commercial vehicle,' I tend to picture men. But today, seeing perspectives from women and seniors, I was delighted to learn that product development will now embrace the broader concept of 'people.'" She cheered on the H-ZET Cady, saying, "I hope it becomes a car that energizes Japan."

Case studies were also presented by companies that collaborated from the planning stage through testing and feedback: Art Corporation, Duskin, Docomo Bike Share, JFTD/Hana Cupid, and Plenus. Staff from each company, engaged in delivery and other operations, took the stage to comment on the Hiace Caddy's excellent usability.