Daihatsu Selected for FY2024 Supplementary Budget Subsidy for Future-Oriented Co-creation Projects with the Global South (Large-Scale Demonstration in ASEAN Member Countries) - Promoting Local Production and Sales Demonstration of Hybrid Vehicles in Malaysia
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. has been selected for a METI subsidy to launch a demonstration project for local production and sales of hybrid vehicles in Malaysia. In collaboration with local partner Perodua, this initiative will validate the effectiveness of low-carbon mobility in the Global South.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 22:30
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Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (hereinafter Daihatsu) has been selected for its 'Overseas Production and Sales Demonstration Project for Hybrid Vehicles for Malaysia' after applying for the 'FY2024 Supplementary Budget Subsidy for Future-Oriented Co-creation Projects with the Global South (Large-Scale Demonstration in ASEAN Member Countries),' implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) through its contribution to the ASEAN-Japan Centre for Trade, Investment and Tourism (AMEICC).
This subsidy program is designed by METI to support demonstration projects by Japanese companies aimed at revitalizing markets in Global South countries and strengthening economic partnerships with Japan. In this demonstration project, with support from the program, Daihatsu will leverage its independently developed hybrid technology and production/quality control know-how. In collaboration with its local joint venture in Malaysia, Perodua, Daihatsu will conduct local production and sales of hybrid vehicles, proceeding with verification through real-world operation.
In this demonstration project, hybrid vehicles will be locally produced in Malaysia to demonstrate their effectiveness as low-carbon and highly practical mobility solutions. Specifically, verification will be conducted from the following perspectives:
- Establishing quality assurance methods in local production and accumulating on-site experience.
- Evaluating customer tolerance for the price of hybrid vehicles compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (conventional cars).
- Understanding and verifying customer expectations and usage characteristics for electrified vehicles.
Based on these verification results, we will proceed with considering countermeasures for future commercialization.
This demonstration project is the first time Daihatsu will locally produce its independently developed hybrid vehicles. Advancing this demonstration requires significant investment, including setting up local assembly lines, introducing necessary equipment, and establishing a quality control system. While there are challenges in realizing local demonstration in a market where electrified vehicles have not yet become mainstream, the support from the Japanese government through this subsidy program will allow us to steadily promote a comprehensive demonstration, including hybrid-specific production processes, quality assurance systems, human resource development, and market feedback.
Furthermore, through this demonstration project, our collaboration with Perodua is expected to contribute to human resource development and carbon neutrality in Malaysia, as well as enhance local competitiveness. It is also anticipated to have a ripple effect on strengthening employment and industrial competitiveness in Japan through the supply of our hybrid technology and related components.
Moving forward, based on the concept of a multi-pathway approach, Daihatsu will continue to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, the popularization of automobiles, and industrial development by delivering high-quality, affordable, and environmentally friendly vehicles that are tailored to the lives of customers in each country and region.
This subsidy program is designed by METI to support demonstration projects by Japanese companies aimed at revitalizing markets in Global South countries and strengthening economic partnerships with Japan. In this demonstration project, with support from the program, Daihatsu will leverage its independently developed hybrid technology and production/quality control know-how. In collaboration with its local joint venture in Malaysia, Perodua, Daihatsu will conduct local production and sales of hybrid vehicles, proceeding with verification through real-world operation.
In this demonstration project, hybrid vehicles will be locally produced in Malaysia to demonstrate their effectiveness as low-carbon and highly practical mobility solutions. Specifically, verification will be conducted from the following perspectives:
- Establishing quality assurance methods in local production and accumulating on-site experience.
- Evaluating customer tolerance for the price of hybrid vehicles compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (conventional cars).
- Understanding and verifying customer expectations and usage characteristics for electrified vehicles.
Based on these verification results, we will proceed with considering countermeasures for future commercialization.
This demonstration project is the first time Daihatsu will locally produce its independently developed hybrid vehicles. Advancing this demonstration requires significant investment, including setting up local assembly lines, introducing necessary equipment, and establishing a quality control system. While there are challenges in realizing local demonstration in a market where electrified vehicles have not yet become mainstream, the support from the Japanese government through this subsidy program will allow us to steadily promote a comprehensive demonstration, including hybrid-specific production processes, quality assurance systems, human resource development, and market feedback.
Furthermore, through this demonstration project, our collaboration with Perodua is expected to contribute to human resource development and carbon neutrality in Malaysia, as well as enhance local competitiveness. It is also anticipated to have a ripple effect on strengthening employment and industrial competitiveness in Japan through the supply of our hybrid technology and related components.
Moving forward, based on the concept of a multi-pathway approach, Daihatsu will continue to contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society, the popularization of automobiles, and industrial development by delivering high-quality, affordable, and environmentally friendly vehicles that are tailored to the lives of customers in each country and region.