An all-new Hilux EV on the horizon? Toyota unveils concept pickups at Thai market anniversary

If you thought that Toyota's Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV) ladder frame platform was dead with the introduction of the unibody 2023 Toyota Innova last month, think again.

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Toyota operations in Thailand, which is now known as the "Pickup Capital of the World," Toyota unveiled a prototype of a multipurpose pickup truck under the name “IMV-0 Concept" and an electrified rendition of its Hilux range, the Hilux Revo BEV Concept.

IMV-O Concept

The IMV-O platform was designed to adapt to the usage patterns and lifestyles of Thai customers by allowing greater and easier customization.

Hilux Revo BEV Concept

The Hilux Revo BEV Concept is Toyota's answer to furthering the Thai economy while addressing the need for carbon neutrality. If you recall, the "Revo" name has been previously used by Toyota in its pre-Innova MPV line. Revo stood for Revolution back then. The name is currently used in the Hilux range in Thailand.

Appreciation for Thailand

In his speech during the unveiling, Toyota Motor Corporation President and CEO Akio Toyoda acknowledged the Thailand market's vital role in the company's business in the last six decades.

"It has been a privilege to grow and prosper here in Thailand. It’s the people of Thailand who are most responsible for the celebration we are enjoying today, and I would like to thank them today from the bottom of my heart," shared Toyoda. "For me, it’s not about how many cars we’ve sold here, because we want to contribute more to this country than just cars. We want to help foster economic opportunity. This was our goal when we selected Thailand to produce a new global model, called IMV.”

Toyoda adds, "For me, the Hilux Vigo launch remains one of the fondest memories of my career.  So as a way of saying thank you, I decided to create brand new IMV pick-up trucks for Thailand, which are the IMV 0 Concept and Hilux Revo BEV Concept. Between them, they represent two different ends of the automotive spectrum, for different needs and different customers. One is designed to support economic growth, and the other one designed to support carbon neutrality and a better environment for all.”

BEV is not the only solution

The rationale behind the two concept vehicles, which represent opposing ends of the sustainability and carbon neutrality equation, is based on Toyota's commitment to providing its customers choices through its "Multiple Pathway" approach.

This strategy aims to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases while recognizing the diversity in every country's consumer preferences, buying power, energy mix, infrastructure readiness, and industry capability.

Toyoda further explains, "And frankly, BEVs are not the only way to achieve the world’s carbon neutrality goals. At Toyota, we believe in creating a full portfolio of carbon-reducing choices for our customers, from hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in electric vehicles, battery electric cars, and fuel cell vehicles."

Since its launch on October 5, 1962, Toyota Thailand has achieved cumulative sales of more than 7 million cars. Furthermore, the company has actively contributed to positioning Thailand as a Global export base, with more than 5 million units exported to global markets.

Should Toyota pursue these two concepts for the global market too?