Toyota U2 Concept reimagines the delivery van

toyota-urban-utility-concept-001-1

Toyota has given us a first glimpse of its upcoming show vehicle – the Toyota U2 Concept, as in Urban Utility or U-squared. This futuristic spin on the ubiquitous delivery van is set to make its public debut on September 20, at the World Maker Faire in New York City.

Developed by Toyota’s Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California, the U2 features a new design that places ease of accessibility at the top of its objectives. Designers have engineered in the ability to roll back the roof, fold down the tailgate and convert it into a ramp and fully customise the interior on a versatile rail system.

Keeping in line with its design brief, the concept is equipped with an extremely durable underbody to withstand potholes and a tool-like exterior with a customisable side panel. Unique features include the aforementioned foldable tailgate, roof panels that retract open, replaceable, protective ridges on the tailgate and a rear glass panel that folds into it.

The interior has been designed to be fully customisable in order to allow a variety of cargo to be carried inside. A unique rail system allows individuals to shape the loading bay to fit whatever forms of luggage, from groceries to desks to even bicycles.

In addition to that, the front passenger seat can be folded or even removed entirely should the need arise. Furthermore, different interior materials and colours can be employed depending on needs – already adding to the U2’s extremely versatile nature. If that’s not enough, the U2 even has side windows that are able to flip up to aid loading and unloading from the roadside.

Toyota’s U2 concept may be big on features but it’s certainly small when it comes to its actual physical appearance. Research conducted by Toyota has proven that the market demands a car of this nature to come with a smaller footprint. Quoting from their press release, the car “is the size of a compact car with the functionality of a compact truck and the spaciousness of a cargo van.”

Following its public debut in New York, the U2 concept will return to the Caltry studio in California.

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Cabbage on Sep 11, 2014 at 5:08 pm

    Sam Loo Ice Cream van – new brand coming soon, better than haagen daz ice cream.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
  • peyno (Member) on Sep 11, 2014 at 5:25 pm

    jdm van: superb

    umw van : unser , innova… crap

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
    • John Reverse on Sep 11, 2014 at 7:08 pm

      Those UMW`s cannot be called a van but a Lorry bro…..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Funny bro.
      U calling Unser which is stopped production 10years ago.
      Innova is also a car laucnched 10years ago, 2004.
      2005 will be having New innova Coming soon.

      That time, U argue.

      Why Innova design last 10years? it uses the same platform as Hilux, different suspension setup. Innova is a RWD, with hilux platform, built with higher durability, MPV with base stronger than any other MPV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
      • peyno (Member) on Sep 12, 2014 at 6:58 am

        p2 and umw macai thinking

        UMW innova toyota= JDM alphard toyota
        UMW avanza= JDM Voxy

        what ashame

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Seems that you are so jealous of Toyota Unser’s success altough it’s already more than 10years history in Malaysia.

      U have been to Japan, i wonder why you still think like a kid.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
    • Peyno…fake japanese wannabe

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • german car lover aka Jian on Sep 11, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    Dislike my comment!!!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • german car lover aka Jian on Sep 11, 2014 at 5:31 pm

    It s nice though

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Did they try to make this car as ugly as possible?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 6
    • If this is kia then you’ll call this masterpiece…..right?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • farghmee on Sep 11, 2014 at 8:18 pm

    interesting!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Sep 11, 2014 at 8:56 pm

    for pedo camry uncles

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • nabill (Member) on Sep 11, 2014 at 9:39 pm

    obviously it comes with the world renowned 4 speed auto…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Nowadays just simply plug in an upsize iPad on the dashboard and it can be called as Concept.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Concept always great, but after come to production, different story

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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