Toyota took center stage during the inaugural day of Japan Mobility Show 2023, captivating the audience with a remarkable array of pioneering mobility solutions set to redefine the future of transportation. Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Automobiles – Discover Your Path,” Toyota’s presence at the event radiated innovation and personalization.
Mr. Koji Sato, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, unveiled a series of concept cars at the Toyota Booth, drawing a crowd of international motoring journalists.
At the forefront of Toyota’s exhibition was the IMV 0, a concept model featuring a pickup configuration. Returning to the origins of Toyota’s IMV project, the IMV 0 placed users at the core of the mobility design process. A preview of the IMV had previously been unveiled in the Philippines as the Toyota Tamaraw concept during Toyota Motor Philippines’ 35th anniversary. What made the IMV 0 truly exceptional was its remarkable customizability, enabling users to attach various components to the deck section. This unparalleled level of customization opened doors to a wide range of applications, be it for business or leisure, establishing the IMV 0 as an adaptable mobility solution for the future.
With dimensions measuring 5,300 mm in length, 1,785 mm in width, and 1,740 mm in height, the IMV 0 boasted a wheelbase of 3,085 mm and offered comfortable seating for two passengers. Toyota’s efficient global production and supply system enhanced the IMV 0’s appeal, ensuring accessibility for customers worldwide.
In addition to the IMV 0, Toyota offered a glimpse into the future with two battery electric vehicle (BEV) concept models – the FT-3e and the FT-Se. These forward-looking vehicles represented a fusion of electrification and intelligence, aiming to provide an experience beyond mere transportation. Toyota envisioned these models not just as vehicles but as lifestyle partners closely aligned with individual values.
The FT-3e, an SUV-type BEV, and the sporty FT-Se, both presented a range of distinctive features, from highly responsive controls to captivating designs. What set them apart was the joy of personal ride customization and onboard functions providing stress-free access to local area information. The FT-3e promised to enrich daily lives with innovative technologies and contribute to carbon neutrality. Its exterior design expertly balanced advanced styling and aesthetics while maintaining simplicity in body lines. Integrated digital displays seamlessly incorporated vital information into the car’s design, enhancing the driver’s experience.
The FT-Se was a high-performance sports BEV model born from Toyota’s motorsports expertise. Emphasizing handling stability and aerodynamic performance, this model shared components with the FT-3e and was designed for software updates, ensuring it evolved with the driver over time.
Toyota’s innovation extended beyond passenger vehicles. They also introduced the Land Cruiser Se, a three-row SUV designed to meet diverse global needs. The BEV’s quiet operation complemented its comfortable cabin space, making it an ideal choice for urban driving and beyond.
The EPU, a next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept, seamlessly combined style with high durability, offering a practical yet stylish BEV solution. Its monocoque body, just over 5 meters long, catered to a variety of user preferences, and its low center of gravity ensured superior handling stability and ride comfort.
The Land Hopper, a three-wheeled electric personal mobility concept, opened up new possibilities for easy and convenient travel. With a compact body and low seat height, it offered a unique and exhilarating ride experience.
The JUU, an electric wheelchair, expanded horizons for individuals with physical impairments, allowing them to access places that conventional wheelchairs could not. It could navigate stairs and maintain an optimal posture, making it a game-changer for those with mobility challenges.
Toyota’s commitment to innovation extended even to outer space with their Space Mobility prototype, designed for lunar and extraterrestrial travel. Its robust design ensured safe and reliable driving in challenging off-world environments.
Toyota introduced the NEO Steer, a groundbreaking cockpit concept that integrates the functions of accelerator and brake pedals into the steering wheel, offering a liberating driving experience without constraints.
The Japan Mobility Show 2023 promises to be a transformative event for mobility enthusiasts, and with Toyota’s visionary showcase, attendees could anticipate a glimpse into a future where mobility seamlessly aligns with individual values, offering a customized and thrilling experience.
