May 07, 2015 15:30 JST

Source: Toyota Motor Corporation

Call for Creativity in Toyota i-Road R&D Project in Tokyo

TOKYO, May 07, 2015 - (ACN Newswire) - In July, Toyota will take the next step toward realizing the full potential of the i-Road ultra-compact EV concept by launching the Open Road Project in Tokyo. To encourage the practical, convenient and fun use of the i-Road on city streets, Toyota will seek creative input and feedback from both specialist companies and members of the public focusing on two key areas: finding convenient parking and encouraging customization.

Toyota i-Road
 


Convenient parking

Two key strengths of the i-Road are its compact size and its ability to be charged from a standard 100V electrical outlet. By working with parking lot operators and commercial property owners in central Tokyo, Toyota will capitalize on these strengths by identifying small, unused spaces with access to plug sockets that could be utilized for i-Road parking and charging. Feedback will be collected for analysis on how to expand the parking and charging network.

Encouraging customization

Toyota aims to make the i-Road a thoroughly unique personal mobility experience by supporting the use of custom parts. Project participants will be able to express themselves by 3D-printing body parts with colors and surface designs of their choosing.

Toyota will provide 10 i-Road vehicles to a total of 100 participants - from ordinary members of the public to experts and trendsetters - for roughly a month each. Overall, the project will run for approximately a year.

Project partners will provide feedback to help Toyota improve the practicality and usability of the i-Road. This will include opinions on how the vehicle might be modified or made more viable for production.

Through these consumer trials, Toyota aims to study the best ways to develop products and services that will build on the key strengths of the i-Road and open up exciting new possibilities for mobility. Rather than limiting participation to pre-selected partners, mid-project entry and the addition of new potential products and services will be actively encouraged with a view to enhancing the product appeal of the i-Road.

Applications for participation in consumer trials open today at the Open Road Project website (http://www.openroad-project.com/ [Japanese only]). Participants will be selected according to a number of criteria, such as how frequently they plan to use the i-Road.

Please visit http://newsroom.toyota.co.jp/en/detail/mail/7773444 for this release with full photos.

Contact:
Toyota Motor Corporation
Public Affairs Division
Global Communications Department
Tel: +81-3-3817-9926
Source: Toyota Motor Corporation
Sectors: Automotive

Copyright ©2024 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.

Related Press Release


Toyota Ramps Up Commitment to Electrification with U.S. BEV Production and Additional Battery Plant Investment
May 31 2023 23:36 JST
 
Eccentric Engine launches Virtual Retail Cloud at NADA 2023
January 26 2023 23:00 JST
 
Eco Expo Asia opens today
December 14 2022 19:00 JST
 
Startups rapidly emerging from Central Japan - local entrepreneurs explain why
December 05 2022 21:00 JST
 
Dakar 2022: A Showcase in the Desert
January 18 2022 15:15 JST
 
An industry at a crossroads - reimagining the automobile company
August 04 2021 10:25 JST
 
Class victory for Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand at Nurburgring 24hrs, powered by Motul
June 10 2021 14:00 JST
 
Motul powers Asian team Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Thailand at 49th edition of the Nurburgring 24hrs
June 04 2021 11:00 JST
 
Using AI to predict new materials with desired properties
August 01 2020 03:00 JST
 
24th GAIKINDO Indonesia International AUTO SHOW (GIIAS) Opens Amid Renewed Optimism in Local Market
August 15 2016 17:00 JST
 
More Press release >>

Latest Press Release


More Latest Release >>