IF you really want your business to stand out then you need something a little different. You need to be writing your name on the side of the fantastically futuristic Toyota LCV D-Cargo Concept Van.
Due to be unveiled at this week’s Tokyo Motor Show it’s the creation of Toyota Auto Body, the minivan, SUV, and commercial vehicle arm of the Toyota group. There are precious few details forthcoming at the moment so all we can do is draw a few educated guesses and add them to what we do know.
Underneath it is likely to be designed for multiple uses across a wide range of trades and businesses. Judging by the grille – there isn’t one – it is probably envisaged as an all-electric van, which would be ideal for any business that regularly operates in urban areas where emissions restrictions apply.
The Toyota LCV D-Cargo concept is fitted with a split tailgate at the rear which allows easy access to the load space as well as a convenient step. The passenger side features a pair of sliding doors that allow almost all of the entire side of the vehicle to slide out of the way for excellent access. The interior can clearly be fitted with storage and racking but no doubt it could also be left as a flat load space for more general use.
In a nod to other possible uses there are also rumours that Toyota has another couple of versions called the LCV Business Lounge and LCV Athletic Tourer. One is specifically designed to transport VIPs in luxury and comfort, the other is designed as a transport vehicle for para-athletes featuring racing wheelchairs, equipment storage, and an integrated loading ramp.
Neither of those may be relevant to your business but the point is obvious. Toyota are convinced that it’s a very versatile platform to base a van on.
Like most concepts the interior is designed as a statement of possibility rather than intent. Yes, you could make it look like that but in the real world we all know it won’t.
Having said that, the Toyota LCV D-Cargo concept does appear to have very little instrumentation or controls in the cab. What it does have is a tablet built into the centre of the steering wheel which we presume would replace the usual controls. Keep that idea, fit some proper seats and Toyota may be on to something.
Unfortunately Toyota Auto Body has a history of creating concepts that never make the leap to production. That would be a shame in this case. We aren’t going to suggest that this exact concept should go into full production but there is no obvious reason why aspects of it shouldn’t appear over the next few years.
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