Daihatsu Compagno - the story of its failure in the UK

The first of a long line of Japanese car imports to the UK started with one vehicle, and this was it. So why it fail so badly? .. and what happened to that very first car?

[@ritabm5254]

Very interesting video

[@markonmotoring]

Another fascinating and fact filled video Simon.
That two door version looks to be a very pretty little car. Certainly more so than the more utilitarian Daihatsu's that I remember from the 1990's and early 2000's.

[@Lot76CARS]

Thanks Mark, it was fascinating to research for a pre internet era… checking old newspapers etc.

[@79devo]

Another string to your bow Si. Lots of car topics for you to consider for future videos

[@thedeadstig123]

I do find it fascinating comparing this story to today, where completely unknown chinese brands are now entering the UK also with cars priced high above what I would call "the going rate BUT because of cheap finance deals they are able to shift them
Unknown brands don't seem to be such a turn off to consumers now as they believe the finance company (or government with mobility) will take the hit, they also don't even think about lack of dealer support or the company leaving the UK suddenly in the middle of their ownership

[@Lot76CARS]

Yes, customers seem to be more open to foreign cars now. The resistance that the Japanese had to overcome doesn’t seem to be there now…