Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda has announced a new mobility service business alliance at CES 2018, the global technology showcase in Las Vegas. Mr Toyoda also revealed details of the new Toyota e-Palette concept vehicle, designed to meet the demands of future multi-mode transport and business applications.

Toyota e-Palette

The vehicle has an open interior layout, so it can be fitted out with purpose-built interiors to suit user needs, whether it be for parcel delivery, ride sharing or on-the-road e-commerce. Its adaptable framework is also designed to optimise usage, allowing the vehicle to be shared for various business needs, transitioning seamlessly from one application to another.

Toyota e-Palette

Toyota envisions that the e-Palette Concept will be offered in three sizes, so it can cater not just for need-specific applications, but also provide right-size and right-place mobile solutions. The vehicle’s design reflects this commitment to flexibility and partnership, with an open control interface and a set of software tools that will allow partner companies to install their own automated driving system if desired.

Toyota e-Palette

Toyota plans to conduct feasibility testing of the e-Palette Concept in various world regions in the early 2020s. It also hopes to contribute to the success of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 by providing innovative mobility solutions, such as the e-Palette. e-Palette Alliance service provider partners, including Amazon, DiDi, Pizza Hut, and Uber will explore various applications of the e-Palette Concept and the MSPF to support their existing business needs. DiDi, Mazda and Uber will also join as technology partners.