As a daily driver of a kei van in a major American city, I’m fascinated by the latest developments in Japanese dealerships. Initially, I aimed to create a comprehensive guide to new kei trucks in Japan, but the diverse market made the task daunting. Instead, we’ll explore kei van models individually, starting with the charismatic Daihatsu Move Canbus.
The original Daihatsu Move was discontinued in 2023, but its name continues in two versions based on the Daihatsu Tanto: the Move Canbus Stripes and the Move Canbus Theory. Observations from Japan’s streets suggest the Stripes trim is more popular than the Theory.
The naming convention, referencing the CAN Bus standard, might seem unusual. However, it’s not uncommon for Japanese automakers to use distinctive names. The Stripes appears to be the more stylish version, while the Theory seems to blend in more subtly. To explore the features of these kei vans, one must visit the Move Canbus website.
Notably, powered sliding doors are available in these compact vehicles, eliminating the need for larger minivans. The Move Canbus measures just 3.395 meters (11 feet 1-5/8 inches) in length, significantly shorter than the new Mini Cooper. Pricing starts at ¥1,463,000 (approximately $10,215) for the base model, while a fully loaded 4WD Move Canbus Stripes G with automatic transmission is priced at ¥1,919,500 (about $13,432).
The Daihatsu Move Canbus offers a unique blend of functionality and style, making it an interesting choice in the kei van market.
