A new kit from Damd modifies the Mitsubishi Delica Mini without making significant changes that would drive up the price. The Damd "Dali" kit transforms the Delica Mini into a vintage Pajero. This kit features a boxy grille, nostalgic lights, bumper accents, and decals. Its design pays homage to Mitsubishi’s classic 1980s off-roader. The Mitsubishi Delica Mini is noted for being one of Japan’s most interesting kei cars, combining the charming proportions of a compact urban vehicle with elements taken from off-road vehicles. This unique combination provided Damd with an ideal base for a retro-styled kit, evoking the spirit of the original Pajero from the 1980s. The Delica Mini was launched in the spring of 2023 and received a facelift in the autumn of 2025. Damd's version, called “Dali” (short for Dakar Rally), is built on the updated model. The modifications include a vintage-style front, new graphics, and a selection of accessories that enhance the off-road aesthetic while remaining true to the kei car design. Key Retro Features within Kei Constraints The standout feature of the design is the round headlights with separate indicators, reminiscent of the first generation Pajero (also known as Montero and Shogun in some markets). The matte black headlight housing is linked to the boxy grille, which has a unique opening for the original Mitsubishi emblem that accommodates the ADAS sensors. Rather than redesigning the front bumper, Damd retained the original panel and added an elegant garnish with glossy black and aluminum-like finishes. This alteration changes the look while preserving the factory sensors and cooling intakes, as well as the embedded Delica lettering. The Damd Dali (above) compared to the Mitsubishi Delica Mini (below) The new features do not alter the kei car's dimensions, maintaining the 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) length and 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) width, both of which are subject to regulations. The tuner also kept the original Beige color, complementing it with a custom decal set that introduces matte black and wood-textured inserts along the side. The demonstration model is fitted with 15-inch Damd Cantabile alloys wrapped in 165/56R15 tires, providing extra grip for the compact vehicle. A roof basket enhances the exterior, while interior modifications are still being finalized. Seat covers are anticipated to complete the transformation. Even though the design embraces a full safari look, the performance remains unaltered. There are no mechanical enhancements included in the kit. The most powerful version of the Delica Mini is equipped with a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine generating 63 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and, in certain versions, a full-time 4WD system. This 4WD option seems to align perfectly with a Pajero-inspired design, despite it leaning more toward aesthetics than performance. Coming Soon to Japan Damd has announced that the components are nearing the final stages of development and will soon be available in Japan. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the company suggests it will be affordable, owing to the modest adjustments that fit within the vehicle's existing framework. The Dali will be showcased at the Damd booth during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, alongside a Lancia-inspired Suzuki Jimny and a couple of vintage-style Honda minivans.

      As Hyundai evaluates its potential return to Russia, Chinese automakers are quietly taking over a market that was previously dominated by Western brands, which are now in disarray due to geopolitical tensions.

      Hyundai sold its Russian plant for $97, including a two-year buyback option. The buyback period ends in January, and Hyundai has not yet taken any action.

      Currently, a Russian company is producing rebadged Hyundai and Kia vehicles at the facility.

      Hyundai had a strong presence in Russia once, but that may not return anytime soon. Earlier this year, there were reports suggesting that the company was contemplating reacquiring its former factory in St. Petersburg, but recent developments indicate that this plan is unlikely to progress as the automaker cannot restart operations amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

      Hyundai halted operations at its St. Petersburg plant in March 2022 and sold the facility in 2024 for a nominal price of 140,000 won (approximately $97 at current exchange rates). Even though the sale price was low, it included a buyback clause that allows Hyundai to repurchase the factory within two years. That deadline approaches in January.

      A source from the company informed Reuters that "it is not a situation where we can buy back the shares." A Hyundai spokesperson verified that the company has not yet reached a final decision on the buyback clause. It remains unclear if Hyundai can request an extension on this option; however, should a return to Russia become feasible, the company might wish to keep this possibility open.

      Prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Hyundai and its affiliate Kia were significant players in the Russian market, holding a notable 23.3 percent share of new car sales. In 2021, they sold 354,000 vehicles in the nation. When Hyundai decided to divest its Russian assets, it announced that the sale would incur a loss of 287 billion won (approximately $200 million).

      The former Hyundai plant, now owned by AGR Automotive, is currently manufacturing models under the Solaris brand. These vehicles are effectively rebadged versions of previous Hyundai and Kia models that were sold in the local market, including the Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Creta, and Kia K2 Cross.

      Chinese automakers have clearly benefited from the departure of major Western brands from Russia. In 2024, they sold around 1 million new vehicles in the country, out of a total of 1.57 million.

A new kit from Damd modifies the Mitsubishi Delica Mini without making significant changes that would drive up the price. The Damd "Dali" kit transforms the Delica Mini into a vintage Pajero. This kit features a boxy grille, nostalgic lights, bumper accents, and decals. Its design pays homage to Mitsubishi’s classic 1980s off-roader. The Mitsubishi Delica Mini is noted for being one of Japan’s most interesting kei cars, combining the charming proportions of a compact urban vehicle with elements taken from off-road vehicles. This unique combination provided Damd with an ideal base for a retro-styled kit, evoking the spirit of the original Pajero from the 1980s. The Delica Mini was launched in the spring of 2023 and received a facelift in the autumn of 2025. Damd's version, called “Dali” (short for Dakar Rally), is built on the updated model. The modifications include a vintage-style front, new graphics, and a selection of accessories that enhance the off-road aesthetic while remaining true to the kei car design. Key Retro Features within Kei Constraints The standout feature of the design is the round headlights with separate indicators, reminiscent of the first generation Pajero (also known as Montero and Shogun in some markets). The matte black headlight housing is linked to the boxy grille, which has a unique opening for the original Mitsubishi emblem that accommodates the ADAS sensors. Rather than redesigning the front bumper, Damd retained the original panel and added an elegant garnish with glossy black and aluminum-like finishes. This alteration changes the look while preserving the factory sensors and cooling intakes, as well as the embedded Delica lettering. The Damd Dali (above) compared to the Mitsubishi Delica Mini (below) The new features do not alter the kei car's dimensions, maintaining the 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) length and 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) width, both of which are subject to regulations. The tuner also kept the original Beige color, complementing it with a custom decal set that introduces matte black and wood-textured inserts along the side. The demonstration model is fitted with 15-inch Damd Cantabile alloys wrapped in 165/56R15 tires, providing extra grip for the compact vehicle. A roof basket enhances the exterior, while interior modifications are still being finalized. Seat covers are anticipated to complete the transformation. Even though the design embraces a full safari look, the performance remains unaltered. There are no mechanical enhancements included in the kit. The most powerful version of the Delica Mini is equipped with a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine generating 63 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and, in certain versions, a full-time 4WD system. This 4WD option seems to align perfectly with a Pajero-inspired design, despite it leaning more toward aesthetics than performance. Coming Soon to Japan Damd has announced that the components are nearing the final stages of development and will soon be available in Japan. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the company suggests it will be affordable, owing to the modest adjustments that fit within the vehicle's existing framework. The Dali will be showcased at the Damd booth during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, alongside a Lancia-inspired Suzuki Jimny and a couple of vintage-style Honda minivans.

A new kit from Damd modifies the Mitsubishi Delica Mini without making significant changes that would drive up the price. The Damd "Dali" kit transforms the Delica Mini into a vintage Pajero. This kit features a boxy grille, nostalgic lights, bumper accents, and decals. Its design pays homage to Mitsubishi’s classic 1980s off-roader. The Mitsubishi Delica Mini is noted for being one of Japan’s most interesting kei cars, combining the charming proportions of a compact urban vehicle with elements taken from off-road vehicles. This unique combination provided Damd with an ideal base for a retro-styled kit, evoking the spirit of the original Pajero from the 1980s. The Delica Mini was launched in the spring of 2023 and received a facelift in the autumn of 2025. Damd's version, called “Dali” (short for Dakar Rally), is built on the updated model. The modifications include a vintage-style front, new graphics, and a selection of accessories that enhance the off-road aesthetic while remaining true to the kei car design. Key Retro Features within Kei Constraints The standout feature of the design is the round headlights with separate indicators, reminiscent of the first generation Pajero (also known as Montero and Shogun in some markets). The matte black headlight housing is linked to the boxy grille, which has a unique opening for the original Mitsubishi emblem that accommodates the ADAS sensors. Rather than redesigning the front bumper, Damd retained the original panel and added an elegant garnish with glossy black and aluminum-like finishes. This alteration changes the look while preserving the factory sensors and cooling intakes, as well as the embedded Delica lettering. The Damd Dali (above) compared to the Mitsubishi Delica Mini (below) The new features do not alter the kei car's dimensions, maintaining the 3,395 mm (133.7 inches) length and 1,475 mm (58.1 inches) width, both of which are subject to regulations. The tuner also kept the original Beige color, complementing it with a custom decal set that introduces matte black and wood-textured inserts along the side. The demonstration model is fitted with 15-inch Damd Cantabile alloys wrapped in 165/56R15 tires, providing extra grip for the compact vehicle. A roof basket enhances the exterior, while interior modifications are still being finalized. Seat covers are anticipated to complete the transformation. Even though the design embraces a full safari look, the performance remains unaltered. There are no mechanical enhancements included in the kit. The most powerful version of the Delica Mini is equipped with a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder engine generating 63 horsepower and 100 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a CVT transmission and, in certain versions, a full-time 4WD system. This 4WD option seems to align perfectly with a Pajero-inspired design, despite it leaning more toward aesthetics than performance. Coming Soon to Japan Damd has announced that the components are nearing the final stages of development and will soon be available in Japan. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the company suggests it will be affordable, owing to the modest adjustments that fit within the vehicle's existing framework. The Dali will be showcased at the Damd booth during the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, alongside a Lancia-inspired Suzuki Jimny and a couple of vintage-style Honda minivans.

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