On August 31, 2026, the very last second-generation COPEN rolled off the production line. Fifty COPEN owners from across the country were successfully selected from a total of approximately 900 applicants (a 17-to-1 selection ratio) and gathered at the Copen Factory. This marked the first time in Daihatsu's history that customers had seen off a vehicle at the production line as production of the model came to an end. We captured the moment the COPEN set off on its final journey.
Keep it OPEN: Toward the Final Event
It was in September 2025 that we announced that the production of the second-generation COPEN, the LA400K, would come to an end. As a token of gratitude to the customers who have supported us over the years, and as a commitment to carrying forward our bond with COPEN fans into the future, we announced a series of three events under the banner “Keep it OPEN” together with the end-of-production announcement.
The first event was OPEN DRIVE DAY, held at Fuji Speedway on May 16. A total of 1,000 COPEN cars gathered from across the country, and activities such as a parade run and a simultaneous roof-opening took place. The second event was OPEN BIRTH DAY, held on YouTube Live to celebrate the COPEN’s birthday on June 19.
→Check out both events here! “COPEN Special Website: Keep it OPEN”
Thoughts Behind the Very Last COPEN
The third and final event in the series was OPEN FUTURE DAY. On August 31, COPEN cars from across the country began arriving one after another at the car park in front of the head office. After receiving a commemorative gift at reception, participants boarded buses bound for the Copen Factory within the Head (Ikeda) Plant 2nd District. Guided by staff waiting there, they were led along the viewing walkway through the factory.
Having attracted the attention of a large audience watching the YouTube Live stream, the event was finally getting underway. First, a demonstration of the assembly process was carried out using a COPEN demonstration vehicle. The participants were riveted at the sight of the vehicle being carefully assembled by hand, piece by piece.
“I believe today is not an ending, but rather a day on which we take the next step forward with the COPEN. We intend to continue taking on new challenges to realize a DAIHATSUMEI that will fill you with excitement once again!” These words from Inoue-san, President of Daihatsu, were met with a round of applause full of anticipation from the owners.
A documentary film chronicling the making of the very last car was shown on a screen. The car’s bodywork began on August 26; it was painted on August 27; and it was completed on August 28 following assembly and inspection. Many in the audience were moved to tears by the sight of the COPEN taking shape through the creators’ passion and meticulous craftsmanship, as well as by remarks from those involved. The comments section on YouTube Live was also buzzing with excitement. (The documentary film)
The yellow COPEN Robe, assembled as shown in the film, emerged from the back of the factory, and a re-enactment of the inspection process carried out prior to dispatch was shown. (*)
*As all inspections had been completed the previous day, this was a demonstration re-enacting the process.
At the same time, Kitagawa-san, the branch manager, added: “Although this place will enter a period of quiet, I do not believe it has fully served its purpose. It is a starting point for our next challenge.” Finally, he addressed the COPEN, saying: “Thank you for teaching us the pride and joy of MONODUKURI.”
As the final gate opened, the distinctive taillights resembling the letter “P” lit up; the engine began to purr with a pleasant sound; the tires began to turn slowly; and the car began to move forward gently, leaving the factory as the large crowd gathered at the venue watched on.
After the livestream ended, the event participants, as well as Daihatsu employees, gathered outside the Copen Factory, forming a corridor of honor consisting of around 200 people, and saw off the final COPEN with thunderous applause.
Members of the Copen Factory, who had been involved for over 10 years, gazed at the final production car and spoke with a touch of regret.
Inspection staff
Although there was a part of me that wanted to make it special as it’s the last one, what’s best for the car is to stick to our usual standards and carry out production as normal.
Assembly staff
I have worked in assembly for 40 years, and I am deeply moved to be here for this final occasion.
As I have assembled almost every COPEN myself, it always makes me happy to spot one on the streets.
Attendant staff
As I’ve been involved in production right from the start, it was a job I felt particularly attached to.
Many of the customers who came to visit the Copen Factory were couples or families. Some even gave their COPEN cars a name and cherished them.
A detailed account of the day’s events is due to be published on the COPEN Special Website around the end of September, so please check it out! As a fellow filmmaker, I was particularly moved by the documentary film.
→ “COPEN Special Website: Keep it OPEN”
Preview of the Limited-Time COPEN Exhibition
Following the final line-off ceremony, we moved with the owners to Humobility World at our head office. There, they were given a special preview of the COPEN exhibition, which is set to open for a limited period in September. The exhibition space featured a special-specification COPEN from the Copen Factory, as well as trivia and behind-the-scenes stories from the very first model, design sketches, and the exclusive Copen Factory uniforms.
Furthermore, an area at the rear of the venue was set aside to display messages from visitors, who were asked to write their own personal messages to the COPEN. Each message likely encapsulated special moments each owner has shared with their own COPEN. One owner, having viewed the exhibition, remarked: “While I feel a sense of sadness at seeing the last COPEN go, I also feel I’ve gained a sense of hope for the future. I’m looking forward to more DAIHATSUMEI.”
Stories of Owners and Their COPEN Cars
I took the day off work to take part today!
I’ve been driving a COPEN for 22 years, having switched from the first-generation model to the Cero.
While seeing off the last COPEN, I nearly cried when I saw the backs of the people who built it.
It was the COPEN that got me hooked on photography.
I own a GR, and I like to use DRESS-FORMATION to swap some parts for Robe or Cero parts and post the photos on Instagram.
When seeing off the last COPEN, it felt a bit like sending my daughter off to get married. Not that I have one, haha.
Eight months after buying the first-generation COPEN, I was posted abroad and had to part with it with a heavy heart. When the car dealer came to collect it, I waved it off until it was out of sight. It was just too heartbreaking.
When I returned to Japan 10 years later, I immediately got hold of the second-generation Cero.
I love leisurely driving along the Metropolitan Expressway on Sundays with the roof down.
Other comments included, “I bought one after retiring and am aiming to drive it round the whole of Japan,” and “When I feel stressed at work, driving with the top down over mountain passes is my way of relieving stress. The COPEN has really saved me.” As a COPEN owner myself, I could really relate to these sentiments. It seems there were even some incredibly lucky people who were selected to participate in both this event and the first event, OPEN DRIVE DAY at Fuji Speedway.
There were many other wonderful stories besides those featured here, and it is a true shame we cannot share them all. Thank you all so much.
Exclusive from the Archive: Rare COPEN Footage
Finally, we have one more surprise in store! To mark the end of production, we are releasing archive footage that has rarely been shown to the public,including concept videos from the design development phase.
- • Concept Video (2013): Produced for an in-house presentation during the latter stages of design development
- • Good Design Award Presentation Video (2014): Screened during the on-site presentation
- • D-X and D-R Concept Video (2012): Screened at the Indonesia International Motor Show
From the scripts to the CG animations, each of these videos was produced entirely in-house by the Design Div. specifically for each event, and is filled with the designers’ passion. As valuable records of the eve of the birth of the second-generation COPEN, we would be delighted if they served as an opportunity for everyone to reflect once again on the sentiment behind its creation at the time.
*Please note that as these videos were produced during the development phase, there may be discrepancies in names, specifications, and designs compared to the production models.
It is said that this was the first time at Daihatsu that customers had seen off a vehicle at the production line as production of the model came to an end. Covering this story has reaffirmed just how much the COPEN was a familiar and much-loved part of our customers’ lives.
I am grateful for every moment spent with COPEN.
And until we meet again—until “that day”—Keep it OPEN!
Written by Uegaito, Inner Communications Dept.
