Toyota uBox Concept – for next-generation buyers

Toyota has set it sights on the next generation of car buyers with its latest concept car, the Toyota uBox Concept. Developed in collaboration with the Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) in South Carolina over the course of two years, the electric utility vehicle is aimed at the Generation Z, who are set to become car buyers in the near future.

To give you a sense of perspective of just how young these kids are, this writer – the youngest member of the team, no less – belongs to the preceding generation (Generation Y, or millennials). Essentially, Toyota is catering to those who are only now getting their driving licences, and buying their first car soon after.

The partnership, dubbed Deep Orange, aims to immerse Clemson’s students into every aspect of vehicle development, from market research and design studies, to engineering design and manufacturing. The brief of the project was to develop a vehicle for a young entrepreneur that can provide utility and recreation during the weekend, but can also offer office space or other career or lifestyle uses during the week.

The result is a massive, minimalist blueish-green box with strong wheel arches carrying huge wheels, as well as a curved glass roof. This roof is supported by composite carbon fiber rails bonded with aluminium, made through a “pultrusion” technique.

“The roof pultrusion was something unexpected and very interesting when they first started talking about the concept,” said Toyota Executive Program Manager Craig Payne, who was piqued by the newfangled technique. “The fact that they were able to achieve an industry-first manufacturing technique as students speaks volumes for this program.”

The polarising exterior styling is said to be in line with the generation’s personality to stand out. The muscular stance is claimed to make the uBox look like it springs forward in motion, even when standing still.

Inside, the layout of the car can be rearranged for various activities, such as working or operating a business and carrying bulky cargo. The floor is low, allowing for the seats to be reconfigured or removed, on sliding tracks that can be nested. The 3D-printed vents, dashboard display bezels and door trim can be personalised, with an online community visualised that will enable owners to share design ideas.

No specifications of the electric powertrain have been revealed, but it’s said to be compact and dual-purpose, as well as being able to power consumer electronics, power tools and other devices, via various 110-vot sockets around the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

“Deep Orange gives students’ hands-on experience with the entire vehicle development process, from identifying the market opportunity through the vehicle build,” said Clemson’s graduate engineering program associate professor Johnell Brooks. “It’s like automotive boot camp for the real world, and it wouldn’t happen without industry partners like Toyota.”

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