Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) is now 60 years old and there’s no better way to mark the occasion with the Toyota IMV platform – practically the platform that made TMT what it is today.
IMV stands for Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle and it is the basis for three well-known models in this region: IMV 1 to 3 for the Single Cab, Space Cab, and Double Cab respectively, IMV4 for the , and IMV5 for the . Upon the arrival of the all-new Toyota Innova, it has dropped the IMV platform in favour of the more modern TNGA-C architecture.
At TMT’s 60th anniversary celebration, they showcased the IMV0 concept vehicle, which not only embodies Thailand’s customized vehicle culture, but also takes modularity to a whole new level.
Here’s why.
Staying true to Toyota’s “no one-size-fits-all” approach, the IMV0 concept can be rebuilt into various body styles by two adults. And don’t think it’ll take a day’s worth of disassembling and reassembling, as Toyota said that it can be “rebodied” in under an hour.
Moreover, just like the various modified Hilux that prowl the streets of Thailand, the IMV0 concept vehicle can also be customized to customers’ needs. Need to carry tall items? Fret not, the IMV0 can be modified to fulfill that role.
Other potential usage scenarios include being an emergency response vehicle, a food truck, or even a mobile flower stall. The possibilities are sky high.
And in the event that a fender bender happens, it’s a relatively easy fix as the IMV0 features a three-part bumper, so owners can just replace the broken piece and not the entire bumper. This also reduces the cost of ownership.
On top of which, Toyota has also mentioned that the interior is also modular, so the IMV0 is truly adaptable to any situation.
In terms of powertrain, Toyota did not delve into details as the model is still more than a year away. That said, judging from Toyota’s current product portfolio, regular internal combustion engines and electrified version can be expected upon the arrival of the IMV0 in the near future.
Keyword: Toyota's newest IMV0 platform redefines modularity; rebuilding new body style less than 1 hour