US: Toyota A-BAT hybrid small pick-up concept to debut at Detroit motor show

Thursday, January 03, 2008,

Tags: Emissions, Engines, Future Models, OEM Strategy, Toyota Motor Corporation.

AutomotiveWorld.com

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) has announced a new US-designed concept for the forthcoming North American International Auto Show, the A-BAT, a small pick-up truck.

"We've taken Toyota's truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of maneuovering the suburbs as well as dirt roads," Kevin Hunter, the president of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota's Southern California design studio, states.

The A-BAT is a rebodied version of the front- and all-wheel drive Highlander SUV and shares its 112.2-inch (2,850mm) wheelbase. The concept is claimed to be powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system but TMS is yet to provide specific details. It features solar panels on its roof which are said to help in recharging the batteries.

The concept, while sharing styling cues with the Honda Ridgeline, is some two feet shorter than this mid-sized rival for the Toyota Tacoma pick-up as well as lower and narrower.

According to the vehicle's designer, the concept was influence by both the Prius (A and C Pillars) and military vehicles.

"The image of a NATO all-terrain truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity," chief designer Ian Cartabiano notes.

Features from larger pick-ups include a fold-out roof panel for carrying taller items as well as a fold-down midgate to allow long items such as sheets of plywood.

Inside, there is carbonfibre detailing for the seats, centre console and dashboard, while the door trim, armrests and seat squabs are made of what TMS calls a "tough, lightweight and comfortable" material.

Although there are no production plans for the A-BAT, there is an obvious gap below the Tacoma in NAFTA markets for a smaller pick-up. Elsewhere in the Americas, and where Toyota does not have a major presence, small pick-ups made by Volkswagen, Opel and Fiat are extemely popular.