The Toyota U2 Urban Utility Vehicle Blends Aspects of Cars and Trucks
Rahul Kalvapalle — September 11, 2014 — Autos
References: toyotanewsroom & gizmag
The Toyota U2 is an urban utility concept vehicle created by Toyota to capitalize on the buzz surrounding the Maker movement. The vehicle is inspired by Maker Faire, and was unveiled at a private event in San Francisco. The concept vehicle offers the size of a compact car with the functionality of a compact truck.
At first glance, the Toyota U2 looks like it has a mish-mash of design inspirations including the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Element, conventional commercial vans and food trucks. However, it's multi-tasking abilities are without question.
The vehicle has retractable roof panels that allow air access and increased storage space. The rear panel windows can pivot up and out of the way much like those in a food truck. Meanwhile, the tailgate can be folded down to create a ramp.
At first glance, the Toyota U2 looks like it has a mish-mash of design inspirations including the Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Element, conventional commercial vans and food trucks. However, it's multi-tasking abilities are without question.
The vehicle has retractable roof panels that allow air access and increased storage space. The rear panel windows can pivot up and out of the way much like those in a food truck. Meanwhile, the tailgate can be folded down to create a ramp.
Trend Themes
1. Urban Utility Vehicles - The Toyota U2 concept vehicle is an example of an urban utility vehicle that combines aspects of cars and trucks, presenting an opportunity for further innovation in this space.
2. Maker-inspired Design - The Toyota U2 concept vehicle draws inspiration from the Maker movement, showcasing a trend of incorporating DIY, customizable elements into commercial vehicle designs.
3. Multi-functional Vehicles - The Toyota U2 concept vehicle exemplifies the trend of creating vehicles that offer the size and convenience of a compact car while providing the functionality of a compact truck, paving the way for more versatile vehicle designs.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can leverage the concept of urban utility vehicles like the Toyota U2 to explore new designs and technologies that meet the evolving needs of urban dwellers.
2. Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry can tap into the trend of maker-inspired designs and customizable features in vehicles, offering opportunities for innovative production processes and partnerships.
3. Transportation and Logistics - The transportation and logistics industry can benefit from the development of multi-functional vehicles like the Toyota U2, optimizing delivery capabilities and addressing urban mobility challenges.
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