One of the first models to come from increased cooperation between Toyota, its minicar specialist arm Daihatsu and Subaru maker Fuji Heavy Industries has been launched in Japan.


The 3.8m long, 1.3-litre Subaru Dex subcompact car is the first Subaru-brand model made and supplied by Daihatsu, under an original equipment manufacturer arrangement, for sale in Japan in the wake of the strengthening of capital ties between Fuji Heavy and Toyota.


Daihatsu last year began making a variant of one of its models for Subaru to sell here in Europe as the Justy.


Fuji Heavy had not dealt in subcompact models in Japan as part of its lineup in recent years, although it had been marketing minivehicles with engines of up to 660 cc, Kyodo News noted.


Subaru is aiming the Dex at women in their 20s and 30s.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

It is based on Daihatsu’s COO subcompact, exported as the Materia, which is also supplied to Toyota for sale in Japan as the bB subcompact and exported to the US as a Scion.


The Dex is sold with three trim grades including a four wheel drive model for Japan’s snowy regions. The monthly sales target is 500 units.