Daihatsu Quits Europe

The automotive industry has been, in the past few years, the target of choice for more than one calamity, culminating with the financial crisis of 2009. Its effects are still felt today and, combined with new developments, it keeps on striking smaller manufacturers.

Of all the car makers in the world, the ones based in Japan are at the mercy of various currency exchange rates. Being among the largest exporters in the world, the Japanese make or lose a buck from the price differences between various currencies.

In Daihatsu's case, it's time to lose more than a buck, but a market as well. Hit hard by the rising yen, the enemy from within of the Japanese manufacturers, compared to the European official currency, the Euro, and the British one, the GBP, the Japanese have decided it is time to quit, pack and leave the UK and Europe altogether.

Daihatsu officials have made the decision to stop all sales on the Old Continent starting 2013, encouraged, if that's the correct term, by the only 19,300 vehicles sold in 10 European countries in 2010.

According to Auto Express however, the exit might happen as soon as next year. This rumor is encouraged by the fact that in the UK, according to Autocar, there is currently no stock of new car, nor any new orders have been made.

For those owning a Daihatsu, the company's withdrawal will not mean they will be left unattended. The manufacturer will leave behind enough personnel and parts to secure servicing of the existing vehicles for a longer period of time.