| The North American International Auto Show is just | | | | center based in Newport Beach, California. Together, |
| around the corner and automakers are already giving | | | | the two groups pinpointed a group of buyers |
| hints as to what vehicles they will be showing off at | | | | considering their lifestyle activities and the vehicle |
| the biggest automotive show in the continent. | | | | that they need for such activities. After identifying |
| Japanese automaker Toyota announced that they | | | | the needs of the said group, the A-BAT was |
| will be unveiling the A-BAT concept. The A-BAT is | | | | designed to be able to give what that certain |
| the latest concept vehicle from Toyota and it is | | | | demographic needs. The concept truck is suitable for |
| made with environmental protection in mind. The | | | | those with active lifestyles according to the designers |
| NAIAS will be kicking off on Monday, January 14. | | | | of said vehicle. |
| Kevin Hunter, the president of Calty Design Research | | | | Matt Sperling, Calty's Creative Designer, had this to |
| Inc., had this to say according to The Auto Channel: | | | | say: "We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the |
| "Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a | | | | side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to |
| way of life for many people. We've taken Toyota's | | | | create an entirely new truck image. The image of a |
| truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a | | | | NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the |
| vehicle capable of maneuvering the suburbs as well | | | | occupants as far forward as possible to maximize |
| as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable | | | | rear bed capacity in this compact package." |
| for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can | | | | Calty's Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano added: |
| accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement | | | | "The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse |
| supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid | | | | trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way. The bed |
| powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy." | | | | is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from |
| According to The Auto Channel's report, the A-BAT | | | | the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the |
| concept was developed by TMS Advanced Product | | | | profile. |
| Strategy group and Calty, a research and design | | | | |