On September 29, 2025, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. made a shocking announcement. It was officially announced that the current model of the COPEN, which is synonymous with light open sports cars, will end production at the end of August 2026. Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. Official Announcement
This announcement has come as a huge shock to many car enthusiasts and existing Copen owners, and attention is now focused on future developments.
Details and background of the end of Copen production
End of Production Schedule
- Ending date : End of August 2026
- Target vehicle : Current model (2nd generation LA400K series)
- Sales will continue as usual until August 2026
Daihatsu’s official comment
Daihatsu Motor commented on this announcement as follows:
“Production of the current model will end in August 2026, but we are continuing various studies so that we can bring the Copen back to the world . Going forward, Daihatsu will continue to inherit the manufacturing spirit and technology cultivated with the Copen, and strive to continue building bonds with our customers into the future.”
This statement suggests that this is not a complete discontinuation, but rather a temporary end to production with a view to a future revival.
History and Evolution of the Copen: 22 Years of History
First generation Copen (2002-2012)
The first-generation Copen, released on June 19, 2002, attracted a lot of attention as it was the first light vehicle to feature an electrically operated roof called the Active Top .
First generation features :
- The first electric retractable roof for a kei car
- The concept is “joy of owning” and “fun of operating.”
- Achieving lightweight construction for a full-scale open sports car
Second-generation Copen (2014-present)
The second generation, released on June 19, 2014, adopted the innovative “D-Frame” frame structure, marking a further evolution.
Second generation innovations :
- D-Frame structure for improved rigidity
- “Impressive driving performance” and “Expression of individuality”
- Wide variety of options available
- Suitable for a wide range of people, from young people to those who have grown up with children
Current Copen variations and features
The current Copen is available in three trim levels:
1. Copen Robe
Copen 20th Anniversary Special Edition
- Features a sporty design
- Round headlights
- A front mask with a classical impression
2. Copen Cero
Copen Cero
- Retro-modern design
- Square headlights
- More elegant appearance
3. Copen GR SPORT
Copen GR SPORT
- Collaboration with Toyota’s GAZOO Racing
- Improved driving performance through special tuning
- Specifications specialized for sports driving
Special event to be held
Event Overview
With the end of Copen production, Daihatsu has announced that it will hold special events across the country from April 2026 onwards .
Event details :
- Organizer : Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
- Event period : April 2026 onwards
- Location : All over Japan, including areas associated with Copenhagen
- Objective : To build a bond with fans into the future
Detailed information will be released sequentially on the special website ( https://copen.daihatsu.co.jp/life/special/ ).
The potential of the next-generation Copen: What is VION COPEN?
Exhibition at JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023
At the 2023 JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW, the concept model ” VISION COPEN ” was exhibited and attracted a great deal of attention.
VISION COPEN FEATURES :
- Change to rear-wheel drive (FR) layout
- Overall length 3,835mm x Overall width 1,695mm x Overall height 1,265mm
- Wheelbase: 2,415mm
- Assuming a 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine
- Maximum output 120ps, maximum torque 13.5kgm
Expected specifications of the new Copen
Expected specifications of the next-generation Copen if it becomes a reality:
Powertrain :
- Engine: 1.3L 3-cylinder turbo
- Drive system: FR (rear-wheel drive)
- Transmission: 6MT/6AT
- Fuel economy: WLTC mode 16.0km/L (estimated)
Price range :
- Estimated price: Approximately 2.5 million yen
Impact on the light open sports car market
Competitor trends
The end of Copen production will leave a huge gap in the market for light open sports cars. Currently, there are no vehicles that can compete with the Copen in this field, and it occupied a unique position.
Comparison with Mazda Roadster
The Mazda Roadster, an open-top sports car that is a standard size, is in a higher segment than the Copen, but is gaining attention as an option for open-top sports car enthusiasts.
Size and price comparison :
- Copen : Light vehicle standard, priced in the 2 million yen range
- Roadster : Standard car, from 3 million yen
Impact on Copen owners and those considering owning one
Current market situation
The end-of-life announcement is expected to have the following market impact:
- Last-minute demand for new car purchases
- Used car prices are on the rise
- Increased asset value due to scarcity
Advice for those considering purchasing
- New Car Purchase : Limited opportunity until August 2026
- Used car market : Early consideration recommended before prices rise
- Special edition vehicles : Limited edition models are likely to become especially rare.
Daihatsu’s future strategy
Responding to electrification
As the entire automotive industry moves toward electrification, Daihatsu is also reviewing its strategy. The temporary end of Copen production is seen as part of its response to this major change.
Positioning in the minicar market
As a pioneer of minicars, Daihatsu is expected to focus on the following areas:
- Development of light EVs (electric vehicles)
- Dissemination of advanced safety technologies
- Further improvement in fuel efficiency
Fan community reaction and future plans
Reactions on social media
Following the announcement of the end of Copen production, many fans have expressed their sadness on social media:
- “The light of the light open sports car will go out.”
- “I’m going to buy the last one.”
- “Looking forward to the revival of the new Copen”
Copenhagen Club and Enthusiasts’ Group
Copen Owners Clubs across the country are also actively discussing this announcement, and are considering creating final memories and planning events.
Summary: The end of the Copen is a new beginning
The end of production of the current Daihatsu Copen model certainly marks the end of an era, but Daihatsu’s statement that “we are continuing various studies so that we can bring the Copen back to the world” gives hope to many fans.
Considering the innovative approach of the FR layout shown in the VISION COPEN and advances in electrification technology, the next-generation Copen has the potential to be far more appealing than the current model.
Points to watch in the future :
- Special event details from April 2026 onwards
- New Copen development progress information
- Possible applications of light EV technology
- Possibility of expanding collaboration with Toyota
For Copen fans, this is a time to say goodbye, but at the same time, it is a time when expectations are rising for new possibilities. In the time remaining until August 2026, let’s cherish our memories of the current Copen while looking forward to the arrival of the next-generation Copen.
Related links :
