The development of the Type 92 began after the Japanese decided to develop a small vehicle in Japan for mobile operations. At first a hybrid amphibious car known as the Sumida Amphibious Armored Car (AMP) was tested in 1930. It had both tracks and wheels and was able to drive in forward and reverse, both in the water and on land. The AMP prototype was not entirely successful, and the Japanese cavalry was not impressed with the performance. The cavalry wanted a vehicle with greater power and better off-road capabilities. After this, the amphibious car concept was abandoned, and the design was changed to a tracked vehicle for land use only.