Audi Q7 TFSI e Quattro priced from EUR 74,800 in Germany

More

BMW Group electrified sales reached a new all-time high in November

More

Electric Transport: What’s Coming and What’s Not in in 2020 (and Beyond)

More

Tesla Cybertruck unveiled, starting at $39,900

More

Truemag

  • Electric Car News
  • Electric Car Reviews
  • Plug-in Hybrids
  • Technology
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Charging Map

Toyota Unveils Urban Utility Concept

toyota-u2-conceptToyota has unveiled the Urban Utility (U2) concept, ahead of its debut at the World Maker Faire event in New York City on Sept. 20 and 21.

Developed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the Toyota U2 (pronounced “U-squared”) concept features a new open architecture and purposeful materials that redefine urban utility.

The U2 concept reflect the lifestyle and needs of an entrepreneurial, urban driver discovered through interviews with Maker Faire participants and internal Toyota market research.

Designers included the ability to roll back the roof, fold down the tailgate into a ramp and customize the interior on a versatile rail system.

Among the U.S. trends that influenced the Calty design team were a growth in entrepreneurship and Americans’ love of adventure, especially outdoor activities involving gear and equipment. Drawing on these insights, the Toyota U2 concept is a flexible, functional gadget that owners can customize according to individual, on-the-go needs. The retractable utility bar can serve unique uses, such as holding a desk or grocery bag hooks. Side windows flip up for easy access from roadside.

Other key interior highlights include:

– Versatile utility rail system configurable to hold everything from baskets to bike stands
– Ability to fold and remove the front passenger seat
– Fold-up rear seating
– Unique shifter design with intuitive switch for parking, drive and reverse mode
– Choice among a selection of colors and materials to fit needs

Toyota research showed the fast-growing small SUV segment points to a desire for greater utility but a smaller vehicle footprint. The Toyota U2 concept is the size of a compact car with the functionality of a compact truck and the spaciousness of a cargo van. It satisfies other key urban driver priorities including good fuel economy, maneuverability in city environments and easy loading and unloading.

An Exterior for the City
City streets call for a vehicle that can handle bumper-to-bumper traffic, potholes and tight corners. The Toyota U2 concept has an extremely durable underbody and tool-like exterior with a customizable side panel. The iconic, modern design remains playful, with details such as circular door handles and a slightly chunky proportion. The box-like design at the rear emphasizes the storage capabilities.

Highlights of the exterior include:

– Roof panels that retract open
– Rear glass that can slide into the tailgate
– Tailgate that folds down into a ramp
– Protective, replaceable ridges on tailgate[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]

Sep 10, 2014Blagojce Krivevski

UC Davis and China Partner to Put Zero Emission Vehicles on a Faster TrackClipperCreek Launches 32 Amp Station
You Might Also Like
 
Toyota Joins iZEUS Project with Four Prius Plug-in Hybrids
 
Toyota and SoftBank partner on new mobility services
Blagojce Krivevski

Blagojce Krivevski is physicist and green technology lover. Keep in touch with Blagojce through his email, web site, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and Google+.

September 10, 2014 Electric Car Newscalty, Concept, Concept Cars, maker faire, toyota, toyota u2, toyota u2 concept, toyota urban utility, toyota urban utility concept, u2 concept, world maker faire
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • instagram
  • feedburner
Recent News
Lucas di Grassi in The Race for Clean Air – full documentary
December 15, 2019
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV named Best Used Plug-In Hybrid for 2020 by DrivingElectric
December 15, 2019
Porsche announces three years of Electrify Canada charging for Taycan owners
December 14, 2019
Mercedes-Benz eCitaro now on the road in Tübingen
December 14, 2019
Mercedes-Benz Untertürkheim plant to produce electric powertrain in the future
December 13, 2019
About
ElectricCarsReport.com ElectricCarsReport.com is a website dedicated to pure electric vehicles and the full range of consumer information and tools about electric cars, green technology energy, and the environment.
Latest News
Lucas di Grassi in The Race for Clean Air – full documentary
December 15, 2019
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV named Best Used Plug-In Hybrid for 2020 by DrivingElectric
December 15, 2019
Porsche announces three years of Electrify Canada charging for Taycan owners
December 14, 2019
Subscribe

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and event postings.

Get in touch

Email: [email protected]

Archives
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • youtube
  • instagram
  • feedburner
DMCA.com
2019 © ElectricCarsReport.com | All Rights Reserved.