E-Nova, :Do and Promenade: Gen Z Imagines a Very Strange Future for Kei Cars

In Japan, Daihatsu teamed up with HAL College for a design competition asking young creators to envision what kei cars might look like a decade from now. The brief was intentionally broad: develop vehicles that could help revitalize regional communities. The results were anything but predictable—three winning proposals, each wildly different in purpose and personality.

The first concept, E-Nova, reimagines the classic Daihatsu Midget for the modern era. Its rear module detaches and turns into a “communication hub” aimed at local craftsmen or small rural businesses. With its focus on practicality, it lands squarely within the kei-car tradition.

The second idea, :Do, blends a compact car with a mini-pickup. Its platform can be configured for work, recreation, or something in between. Both the front and rear sections double as small lounge areas, effectively turning the tiny vehicle into a micro-camper.

The most unconventional of the trio is Promenade, a lightweight open-air roadster built not for speed but for taking in the scenery. With its panoramic visibility, it’s designed for slow, scenic drives through the countryside rather than spirited runs.

None of the concepts is headed for production, but challenges like this help automakers explore new territory—and give students a pathway into the industry.