At first glance, the news that no more Daihatsu cars are to be imported to the UK might not seem particularly relevant to classic enthusiasts. But did you know that Daihatsu was the very first Japanese marque ever sold in Britain, pre-dating such giants as Toyota and Datsun by several years?

Daihatsu was the brand that kick-started the Japanese sales phenomenon in Britain, with its Campagno Berlina 800 way back in 1966. And while much of its line-up was unexceptional over the years, it’s hard not to think of the iconic Charade GTti of the late Eighties and the more recent Copen sports car as future classics.  Now though, Daihatsu has ceased all UK imports, and will leave Europe completely within two years. And all, say company officials, because of the strength of the Japanese Yen against the pound and the euro. RIP Daihatsu!