Ready for 'pasar malam' action: Daihatsu Uniform Concept showcases future truck ideas, can use various powertrains too

Among the quintet of concepts Daihatsu showcased at the ongoing Japan Mobility Show (JMS 2023) is their vision of what the hardworking people who work at the markets will drive in the future.

And unsurprisingly, it's adorable! Well, Daihatsu made them, so that fact wasn't a shocker to begin with...

This pair of kei workhorses are called the Daihatsu Uniform Truck and Uniform Cargo Concepts respectively. Kecil-kecil cili api is the name of the game here, and despite their dimunitive package they can shoulder quite a lot.

Also read: 7 legendary turbocharged Daihatsu models that precede the Perodua D55L

Both of them are same in length and width (3,395 mm long, 1,475 mm wide) but there's a difference with the height: 1,885 for the truck, and 1,920 mm for the cargo van. Wheelbase length is different too, mainly to accomodate the cargo at the back: 2,450 mm for the van, 1,900 mm for the smaller truck.

This size is smaller than the usual Gran Max small pick-ups we see in Malaysia, but it's a right fit for Japan's tight streets and even mini parking boxes. Perhaps a mini truck like this might see use in some of Malaysia's more confined night markets?

Daihatsu says they're all about 'lean design' that 'stays truly close to working people', so the Uniform allows for expanded practicality solutions. The bodywork and interior is conceptualised to be modular – allowing them to customised for private use when the stalls have closed for the day.

Also read: The Daihatsu Osanpo Concept might preview the next generation Copen EV

Naturally it's designed to be a battery electric vehicle (BEV), and it's even proposed to have a vehicle-to-load (V2L) solution that allows for external power supply to say, a mini stall outside for people to dine at, if a food truck concept is what buyers want to do.

That said, designer Atsushi Ikeuchi tells us that the car's platform is made to be able to accept different powertrain solutions.

"As a concept, only EV, battery. But the framework and the structure can be utilised for carbon neutral [engines and] fuels, or gasoline, including hybrids," he said, speaking through an interpreter.

When is it becoming a reality? The Osaka outfit holds that card close to their chest, but from the fleshed out looks of it, we don't think it's too far away into the future.

Also read: Up close with the Daihatsu Vision Copen concept, an RWD rival to the Mazda MX-5