Toyota Cars Unveils IMV 0 Platform To Spawn Cheaper SUVs

At the ongoing 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Toyota is showcasing its new ICE-powered ladder-framed IMV 0 concept. The new concept is aimed at markets and consumers where the need for EVs are not very high currently. It is underpinned by an evolution of the IMV platform, which also underpins models like the Hilux, Innova, and Fortuner. We take a closer look.

Toyota IMV 0 Concept: What Is It?

The IMV 0 Concept is a simple single-can pick-up truck that Toyota says comes with new-age thinking to give “boundless customisation possibilities”. It has a modular design that allows for multiple bodies with different use case scenarios to be bolted into the flatbed section. Examples include a camper, mountain rescue ambulance, coffee bar, or a food truck. The IMV 0 itself has a boxy design that is aimed at keeping parts cost-efficient, reliable, and durable.

Toyota IMV 0 platform: To Bring Costs Down

Affordability is one of the core ideas of the IMV 0 platform, with the brand admitting SUVs and pick-ups have become too expensive over their years. Toyota Daihaitsu Engineering and Manufacturing President Yoshiki Konishi, stated, “Over time, with additional features and regulations, the price went up and some of our original customers cannot afford our products. That is the reason we have now decided to introduce a new concept which we call the IMV 0 that can serve the needs of everyday people and give them new opportunities,”.

The Japanese automaker has used the previous IMV platform as the base for the IMV 0 platform that will help in being more cost effective via lighter materials, design optimisation, and rationalisation of the features and equipment. Toyota has confirmed that reducing standard features in the models will be one of the biggest cost reduction measures.

Hao Quoc Tien, president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, said, “We have to be smart about what we keep and what we take out,”. He added that the IMV 0 in the ASEAN region will be used mainly as an utility vehicle and customers may be willing to accept the feature reductions for a better price point.

Toyota IMV 0 Platform: May Underpin Next Fortuner

Quoc Tien also mentioned that the IMV 0 platform will not just be used for pick-up trucks, as it may underpin a full-size SUV as well. This means the next-gen Fortuner could be based on the platform.

Current prices of top variants of the Fortuner cross over Rs 60 lakh (on-road). The next-gen model could be more affordable with fewer features and a smaller 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor. The Fortuner remains a strong seller in India as it has no direct competition anymore. Furthermore, the current model is already lagging behind in features compared to rivals. It remains to be seen how many features will be reduced in the upcoming IMV 0 based model.

Toyota IMV 0 Concept: Launch Details

Toyota also said that the IMV 0 will also get a strong hybrid variant which could possibly use a more powerful iteration of the powertrain in the Innova Hycross. The IMV 0 pick-up will be launched sometime in 2025. In India, it will be positioned below the Hilux, which is too expensive to be used for utility purposes.

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