BANGKOK: While the majority of concept vehicles never make it to production, the Toyota IMV 0 concept pick-up truck for Thailand is very likely to be among the exceptions.
Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) president Akio Toyoda said the IMV 0's official launch is over a year from now, and he had challenged TMC's engineering and design teams to create a brand new IMV pick-up truck for Thailand, "something truly affordable and innovative."
"This is a product that can enhance the quality of life for many people and provide new economic opportunities," he said in a preview of the IMV 0 concept during the 60th anniversary celebrations of Toyota Motor Thailand Co Ltd (TMT).
"At Toyota, we believe in building cars to serve the real-life needs of our customers. That is why our IMV 0 team spent many months in the field, observing the lifestyles and needs of our potential owners," said Toyoda.
In a video presentation, Toyota engineers pointed out that the automaker aims for the IMV 0 to be a national and beloved pick-up truck, with "most affordable price tags."
The IMV 0 is designed to be highly modular, versatile and comes with various customisation options for multiple applications such as a food truck or logistics trucking.
Toyota engineers had said the IMV 0 is "like a blank canvas" that owners would paint and colour, and use to "make money".
While no powertrains were announced for the IMV 0, Toyoda did stress that the automaker does not take a one-size-fits-all approach to its products or powertrains.
