Daihatsu to Use New Fuel-Efficient Engine in All Models

Chiba, Oct. 21 (Jiji Press)--Daihatsu Motor Co. <7262> will use its
new fuel-efficient gasoline engine in all minivehicle models going on sale
in 2011 and later, sources familiar with the matter told Jiji Press
Wednesday.

The move means that the Japanese minivehicle maker will focus on
improving its gasoline engine technology in order to compete with rivals
instead of releasing gas-electric hybrid or pure electric vehicles.
Daihatsu uses the new engine in its recently developed e:S
minivehicle that can travel 30 kilometers per liter of gasoline.
The company plans to put the e:S on sale in Japan as early as 2011.
Subsequent models will use the same engine, Daihatsu President
Teruyuki Minoura said.
Of Daihatsu's current minivehicles, the Mira has the best fuel
economy, at 27 kilometers per liter.
Among hybrid vehicles, Toyota Motor Corp.'s <7203> Prius achieves
38 kilometers per liter while Honda Motor Co.'s <7267> Insight runs 30
kilometers.