Daihatsu to Exit New Zealand Market
The New Zealand decision is part of a long retreat for Daihatsu. It withdrew from Thailand in 1998 and ended its Australian operations in 2006 after almost 40 years.
Toyota New Zealand will end sales of new Daihatsu vehicles by year’s end of the year as a result of investment that would be needed to meet forthcoming regulatory standards.
Daihatsu sold just 90 units in the first quarter, down from 100 year-ago. Full-year 2012 sales totaled 322 units, up from 78 in 2011 and 206 in 2010, according to data from the New Zealand Motor Industry Assn.
Steve Prangnell, general manager-sales, says Toyota dealers will continue to supply parts and provide comprehensive service support for Daihatsu owners.
Toyota took a controlling 51% interest in Daihatsu in 1999 and Toyota New Zealand took over distribution of the brand locally in 2002.
The New Zealand decision is part of a long retreat for Daihatsu. It withdrew from Thailand in 1998 and ended its Australian operations in 2006 after almost 40 years. It announced in 2011 it would pull out of Europe by 2013. The brand no longer is sold in North America.
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