AUTONEWS

The last Daihatsu produced in Europe has been found 

It was in January 2013 that Daihatsu stopped its sales in Europe. Production for the old continent ended 12 years ago and it was precisely on this date that we found what was the last model from the Japanese manufacturer manufactured for Europe.

At Classic Remise in Dussëldorf, a sort of 'sanctuary' for car lovers, is what was the last Daihatsu(image above) made for the European continent.

This is a Daihatsu Materia, a single-seater equipped with a 103 hp engine. The model in question is displayed with the signature of the entire Daihatsu production team, who participated in the construction of this vehicle.

The Classic Remise can be visited free of charge. Anyone who wants to see the cars that reside there can opt for a guided tour that will give them the opportunity to learn more interesting facts about certain cars.

From the latest and most exclusive Ferraris, such as the Daytona SP3 to the classic Testarossa, including various models from Lamborghini, Aston Martin and McLaren, there are also prototypes and racing legends.

Many of the vehicles are for sale, others are just on display because the owners enjoy showing them off. There are car repair shops, sales dealerships and even a restaurant.

Daihatsu Materia and Toyota...Toyota saw an opportunity to produce a car for the younger generation. It was like a loudspeaker on wheels, with plenty of room to move around inside and excellent visibility despite its narrow windows. In addition, an extensive customization program allowed customers to make their cars whatever they wanted. This was the Toyota bB and its renamed sibling, the Daihatsu Materia.

At first glance, it could be called a tall cabinet on wheels with a short hood at the front. But the car was eye-catching with its narrow, horizontal headlights and almost non-existent grille at the front. It was a significant step forward for the design team, which made the car look sleeker than its predecessor due to a rising beltline and narrower windows. At the rear, the tailgate was excellent for use as a roof, while two people could sit comfortably in the base of the trunk.

On the inside, the Materia offered ample space due to its vertical side panels. It was suitable for five people inside and featured a CD player with six speakers. The automaker designed the car with the idea that this was exactly what teenagers needed.

Under the hood, there was a choice of two highly fuel-efficient engines and one turbocharged engine. All of them were paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. This setup was good for teenagers who didn't want to go fast or for those who didn't want to show off. Perhaps that's why the car only lasted five years on the market and was then cut from the assembly line.

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