The Daihatsu Tanto is a lightweight super-height wagon that is extremely popular among families due to its spacious interior and ease of use. This time, we will focus on the sales and production numbers of the Tanto and unravel the reasons for its popularity and history.
Tanto sales volume trends: A consistently popular car that ranks highly
The Tanto has consistently ranked highly among light vehicle sales since the first model was released in 2003. In particular, in 2014, the number of units sold exceeded 230,000, achieving the remarkable feat of becoming the No. 1 best-selling new car.
Reference: Daihatsu
Its popularity has not waned in recent years, and it was ranked third in the sales ranking of all passenger cars, including registered cars, in July 2024. Even as the overall minicar market is shrinking, the Tanto has maintained stable popularity.
Sales volume in 2022
Annual sales of Tanto in 2022 were 107,749 units .
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | 7,988 units |
| February 2022 | 8,936 units |
| March 2022 | 10,012 units |
| April 2022 | 7,210 units |
| May 2022 | 4,221 units |
| June 2022 | 5,761 units |
| July 2022 | 6,485 units |
| August 2022 | 5,119 units |
| September 2022 | 9,878 units |
| October 2022 | 14,981 units |
| November 2022 | 14,998 units |
| December 2022 | 12,160 units |
| total | 107,749 units |
Daihatsu Tanto registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2023
Annual sales of Tanto in 2023 were 159,392 units.
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | 14,330 units |
| February 2023 | 12,743 units |
| March 2023 | 15,251 units |
| April 2023 | 11,981 units |
| May 2023 | 11,208 units |
| June 2023 | 14,572 units |
| July 2023 | 10,255 units |
| August 2023 | 10,950 units |
| September 2023 | 14,527 units |
| October 2023 | 15,795 units |
| November 2023 | 15,988 units |
| December 2023 | 11,792 units |
| total | 159,392 units |
Daihatsu Tanto registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Sales volume in 2024
In the first half of 2024, sales were halted due to Daihatsu’s fraud issue , and sales volumes were sluggish from January to April. However, sales volumes recovered from May 2024, and the Tanto ranked in the top three.
| Date | Sales volume |
|---|---|
| January 2024 | 4,849 units |
| February 2024 | 1,963 units |
| March 2024 | 982 units |
| April 2024 | 1,866 units |
| May 2024 | 6,174 units |
| June 2024 | 11,933 units |
| July 2024 | 12,576 units |
| total | 40,343 units |
Daihatsu Tanto registration numbers Source: Japan Automobile Dealers Association
Tanto production volume
The monthly sales target announced in October 2022 when the Tanto minor change was released was 12,500 units . However , as of August 2024, the target number of units is being produced and sold.
Reasons for the popularity of the Tanto: spaciousness and ease of use
Daihatsu released the new Tanto/Tanto Custom on July 9, 2019. It adopts the newly developed platform ” DNGA (Daihatsu New Global Architecture) “. In addition, it adopts the newly developed ” Miracle Walk-Through Package ” and ” Next Generation Smart Assist “.
The vehicle structure has been revised to reduce vehicle weight, with the vertical bending rigidity improved by 30% compared to the previous model , and the high tensile strength of the upper body increased by 10%, resulting in a weight reduction of approximately 80kg overall. Improved transmission and engine improvements include the adoption of Japan’s first “multi-spark (multiple ignition)” and improved combustion efficiency through improved compression ratio and injector spray atomization. This will further reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. The transmission is equipped with a newly developed ” DCVT (Dual mode CVT) ” that uses the world’s first “power split technology , ” and the engine has been improved to achieve a JC08 mode fuel efficiency of 27.2km/L.
New Tanto Miracle Walk-Through Package
Like the previous model, the packaging makes effective use of the center pillarless space on the passenger side and employs a “long sliding driver’s seat ( up to 540mm forward or backward movement possible).” In addition, the passenger seat can be moved forward or backward (380mm), and completely forward, making it easy to move from the driver’s seat to the back seat and making the most of the pillarless space.
Nowadays, ISOFIX-compatible child seats can only be placed in the rear seats, so children have to be placed in the back and drivers have to get out of the driver’s seat to put the child in or take the child out, but the biggest advantage of the new Tanto is that you can easily move to the rear seat and get in and out with your child. The new N-BOX , its biggest rival, does not use a pillarless system, which is a big differentiator.
New Tanto Easy Closer
Because the passenger side is center pillarless, the passenger door is heavy and prone to being left half-open due to measures taken to absorb the impact of side collisions. However, the “Easy Closer” function is adopted, which automatically retracts the door when it is half-open, helping to ensure that the door is closed securely. The same function is adopted for the sliding door .
New Tanto power sliding door welcome open function
If you have made a reservation to have the power sliding door open automatically when you get off the car by pressing the button on the driver’s seat, it is possible to have the power sliding door open automatically when you approach the car. This is a very convenient function when you are carrying large luggage or holding a child and your hands are full .
New Tanto equipped with TFT color multi-information display
It features a TFT color multi-information display and a large digital meter, and the eco-drive assist displays on the left and right change lighting color according to the driving situation.
New “Tanto” and “Tanto Custom” specifications
| Specifications | Tanto/Tanto Custom | Tanto/Tanto Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | NA | turbo |
| full length | 3,395mm | |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | |
| Height | 1,755–1,775mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2,460mm | |
| engine | 658cc inline 3 DOHC engine |
658cc inline 3 DOHC turbo engine |
| Maximum power | 38kW (52hp) / 6,900rpm |
47kW (64hp) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
100Nm (10.2kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| transmission | CVT | |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | |
| JC08 mode fuel economy | 27.2km/L (2WD) 25.4km/L (4WD) |
25.2km/L (2WD) 23.8km/L (4WD) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 21.2km/L (2WD) 20.2km/L (4WD) |
20.0km/L (2WD) 18.8km/L (4WD) |
The reasons why the Tanto has become so popular are its spacious interior, ease of use, and advanced safety features.
- Miracle Open Door : The front and rear doors on the passenger side are connected and can be opened wide, making it easy to get in and out of the vehicle while holding a child, or to load and unload large luggage.
- Spacious interior space : The spacious interior space is bigger than you’d expect from a compact car, making it comfortable for long-distance drives with the family.
- Ample storage space : The ample storage space has been designed with ease of use in mind, making it convenient for daily shopping and leisure activities.
- Advanced safety equipment : Equipped with the latest safety technology, Smart Assist, to support the driver.
A word from the editorial department
The Daihatsu Tanto is a leader in the minicar market in terms of both sales and production volume. The reasons for its popularity are its spacious interior, ease of use, and advanced safety features.
It will continue to evolve and continue to be a car loved by many users. If you are considering purchasing a minicar, why not try out a test drive of the Tanto? You will surely be able to experience its charm.
Daihatsu Tanto