Is there a cuter vehicle than the sub-4 meter (13.1 ft) Japanese micro-camper van? Perhaps the next generation of micro-campers built into an ultra-versatile van platform for commercial goods transportation, micro-shuttles, Could it also function as a mobile pop-up shop? And if you’re looking to the future, why not try an EV that operates cleanly? That’s the Toyota Kayoivako. A concept van that paints a truly adorable picture of the future of affordable small van living and transportation.
Kaiyobako debuted at the Japan Mobility Show last year and celebrated its first birthday this month. The little multimachine resurfaced in our consciousness and we thought it was time to take a closer look. While it doesn’t seem promising in and of itself, it clearly shows how power and software-driven car architectures can help Toyota in its quest to allow vehicles to be configured into more personalized spaces. It is something.
The 399 cm (157 in) Kaiyobako concept van takes its name from the Japanese shipping container “kayoibako,” a transport unit designed to be customized by changing the interior to suit specific cargo needs. I am renting. Toyota considers the van to be a “high-quality basic unit of mobility” and essentially a wide blank canvas on which customers can paint whatever picture they choose.
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Our first choice was an all-season adventure camper layout. Toyota uses a full-size platform roof rack to secure gear and luggage, a rear ladder to access the 186cm (73in) high roof, and side racks to suit both winter and summer action. We exhibited a dressed-up variant. For carrying water/fuel canisters.
Adding to its cargo capacity is its compact electric powertrain, barely there bonnet, lack of standard seats other than the driver’s, and the vast interior cavern opened up by a lightweight digital cockpit. Starting with a cozy camper floor plan designed in partnership with Japanese designer home and lifestyle goods company D&Department, Toyota is very creatively demonstrating the many ways this cabin space can be used. With an interior length of over 2.1 meters (6.9 ft) behind the driver’s seat and an interior length of over 3.1 meters (10.2 ft) on the passenger side without a seat, this van is comfortable despite its small size. Could easily accommodate a double bed.
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Although the van has a very simple floor plan with a bed on the floor, Toyota and D&Department have added plenty of ambient lighting, including removable cube lamps/lanterns and vintage-inspired hangings. By using it, we sublimate the space into a warm residence. lanthanum. A large glass roof and designer pillows and bedding also enrich the space.
The van’s design features a dual-part tailgate with a fold-out section that’s perfect for slipping out of bed and putting on your shoes, whether it’s sneakers for a morning trail run, flip-flops for a walk on the beach, or waterproof boots. Includes a ski lodge for trampling powdery snow.
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Kayobako’s campervan lacks additional camping facilities such as a kitchen or toilet, but given the space optimization wizardry we’ve seen in the Japanese micro-RV industry thus far, it’s equipped with all the comforts. It’s not hard to imagine. It just got smaller to fit in a smaller van.
The sleeper van layout shown in Kayoibako’s photo, like many beds out there, is very easily achieved using a folding bed kit. Removing the bed kit opens the cabin, ready for customization. Toyota offers a fully equipped mobile store with clothing racks and shelves directly inside the sliding door, an adaptive version that can accommodate a wheelchair in either the driver or passenger seat, and, of course, a basic goods transporter. , showing many possible options.
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As well as the physical changes to the cabin, Toyota has revealed that the in-vehicle software suite could be updated to suit different use cases for Kaibako. For example, the van can be integrated with a better inventory management system when used as a commercial transport vehicle, or equipped with an off-road specific navigation system when used as an adventure campervan. The software runs on a multiscreen HMI with a slim, curved, full-width infotainment display sandwiched between the windshield and the lower transparent panel, as well as a small auxiliary screen adjacent to the steering wheel.
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We tend to doubt whether there is a possibility that the very attractive “Kayoibako” will be added to Toyota’s Japanese lineup in the future, but regardless of whether it happens or not, Toyota already has a model of this type. begins its quest for an ultra-versatile and configurable vehicle with the Hilux Champ Mini. pickup platform. I’m looking forward to further evolving this category.
Source: Toyota Global
