Daihatsu Copen Production to End in August 2026
Daihatsu Copen, the only mini open-top sports car in Japan, will end production in August 2026, concluding its 24-year history.
While looking for an open-top car with cheap fuel costs after graduating from my BMW, I discovered that a hardtop open-top mini-car (kei car) actually existed. It can't seat four people, but since I rarely carried four people in my previous car anyway, I figured a two-seater would be fine, and started researching...
On September 29, 2025, Daihatsu Motor announced that the current model of the mini open-top sports car "Copen" will **end production at the end of August 2026**. After 24 years since the first model appeared in 2002, this unique car, loved as the only open 2-seater sports car in the mini-car category, will close its long history. Seriously?...
■ Reasons for Ending Production
Daihatsu explained the reasons for the termination as "comprehensively considering parts supply, development resources, and compliance with regulations." While autonomous emergency braking will become mandatory for continuing production of domestic cars from September 2026, it appears the cost of adapting the unique body structure of a mini open-top sports car was not profitable. Additionally, the long-term production shutdown caused by the type designation testing scandal uncovered at the end of 2023 also affected the reallocation of development resources.
■ Remaining a One-of-a-Kind Presence for 24 Years
The first-generation Copen (L880K) introduced in 2002 featured the first electric retractable hardtop in a mini-car. With a mechanism that transformed it into an open-top in about 20 seconds and its charming style, it opened new ground for mini sports cars.
The current model (LA400K) introduced in 2014 adopted a unique "Dress-Formation" mechanism that allows owners to swap exterior panels. Expanding into multiple characters such as "Robe," "XPLAY," "Cero," and "GR Sport," it has gained support as the only mini sports car where owners can pursue their own style. Openness comparable to a motorcycle and close proximity to the outside world—Copen owners agree that such experiential value cannot be replaced by any other car.
■ Gratitude to Fans and Expectations for the Next Step
Daihatsu will host special events nationwide starting April 2026. This initiative is designed to express "gratitude to fans and connect the bonds built so far to the future," spending the final moments together with Copen fans. Meanwhile, they also announced that "various studies are underway to bring Copen back to the world," ensuring expectations for a next-generation model remain alive. There are many voices hoping for a revival in 2027 or later, meaning the story of Copen might not be over just yet.
■ Sources
・Daihatsu Motor News Release (September 29, 2025) https://www.daihatsu.com/jp/news/2025/20250929-3.html
・Best Car Web https://bestcarweb.jp/feature/column/1373362
・Gulliver Car News https://221616.com/car-topics/20251212-1/