On Jan. 30, Daihatsu, Toyota, and Suzuki announced plans to launch mini-commercial EVs in fiscal 2025.

This project faced delays after Daihatsu was found to have falsified safety tests, but development resumed after corrective actions were implemented.

The new vehicles will combine Daihatsu and Suzuki’s expertise in small-vehicle production with Toyota’s EV technology.

Production will take place at Daihatsu facilities, and the mini-vans will be sold under each manufacturer’s brand.

Demand for mini EV vans is rising in Japan as trucking companies shift towards electrification, with competitors like Mitsubishi Motors and Honda already in the market.