Toyota Urban Utility concept embraces maker movement

Toyota has unveiled a concept designed in response to the maker movement. Called the Urban Utility, or U2, the vehicle is intended to appeal to those who have embraced maker culture - the trend of learning new practical skills, embracing new construction technologies like 3D printing, and applying them in an inventive and often entrepreneurial way.

The U2 will be unveiled at the World Maker Faire in New York City on 20 September and was designed at Toyota's Calty studio in Newport Beach, CA. As part of the concept's development process, Toyota undertook a host of interviews with Maker Faire participants to ascertain exactly which features would help facilitate their craft.

As a result, the interior features a number of ideas that respond to the demands of its target market. A retractable bar slides across the passenger side of the dashboard, and can be used to attach a small desk, basket or grocery bags. A second customizable rail system is build into the load space, allowing objects of various shapes and sizes, from boxes to bicycles, to be carried safely.

The front passenger seat can be removed, while the rear seats fold up as required. As the U2 is designed to be driven in congested urban environments, Toyota has also attempted to keep the driving experience as straightforward as possible, with oversized, easy to read graphics on the gauges, relatively few buttons and a simplified gear selector.

The exterior design also reflects the car's purpose as predominantly urban transport. Although Toyota doesn't quote specific dimensions, the U2 is the same size as a compact car, while its boxy exterior is intended to enhance maneuverability and emphasize its load-carrying ability.

The exterior also features retractable roof panels, top-hinged side windows that flip up for easy access and a tailgate that folds down into a ramp.

"Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle based on increasing re-urbanization of our cities," said president of Calty, Kevin Hunter. "Calty keeps a number of projects concealed while exploring ideas and products. Revealing a project like the U2 gives people a window into the constant innovation that happens inside Toyota and our Calty studios and one possible future for urban mobility."

Like the Camatte, unveiled at the 2012 Toyota Toy fair, and the firm's annual design competition exclusively for children, the U2 is another welcome design initiative from the firm that breaks away from the established motor show paradigm.

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By Tom Phillips