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Toyota considering production version of A-BAT

omarrana submitted on 02/11/2008 Official AutoSpies Timestamp: 3:48 PM
from: www.egmcartech.com

[25] user comments | category: New Cars

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Toyota considering production version of A-BAT

Toyota is studying the possibility for a small truck that will fit underneath the already small pickup Tacoma. In an interview with TheCarConnection.com, Don Esmond, Toyota’s Senior Vice President, confirmed that the company is evaluating whether there is room for a smaller truck in its lineup

“We are looking at it,” he said. Esmond also said that the ‘A-BAT’ which made its debut at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, could serve as the basis for the new smaller truck... Read Article

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rocker - 2/11/2008 5:01:02 PM

+2 Boost

Is there a Costello model to follow?

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theoptimisticpessimist - 2/11/2008 6:19:37 PM

-1 Boost

Just got that,LOL.

EL34 - 2/11/2008 7:01:36 PM

-3 Boost

I don't think you can get $h!t from shinola, but Toyota is trying really hard ;-)

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theoptimisticpessimist - 2/11/2008 7:39:53 PM

-1 Boost

Just what the market needs, a truck the doesn't haul, or tow, and looks as if the design inspiration was some sort of rodent.

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EnnNorak - 2/12/2008 12:00:24 AM

+3 Boost

If it were not for the fact that the A-BAT is Japanese, I would swear that theoptimisticpessimist thinks it's in celebration of the Chinese New year (year of the rat). Actually I like that vehicle and also the FJ Cruiser but it better have AWD and a locking rear differential for better traction in cold Alberta winters.

DieselRules - 2/12/2008 2:38:14 AM

+1 Boost

You mean like the Explorer Sport-Trak ... which i see all over the place!
Its a favourite with old ladies who need to carry a bag of potting soil home occasionally ... that and the Honda Ridgeline.
There seems to be a market for trucks that can't haul or tow...

Homer008 - 2/11/2008 8:18:08 PM

+2 Boost

pretty nice...it'll sell like crazy in Calif., Texas, Florida etc...I know.

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krackerhatesme - 2/11/2008 8:19:57 PM

+1 Boost

Hopefully it will not look like this. Make it closer to a pickup or just shrink the Tacoma. That thing is fugly.

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EnnNorak - 2/12/2008 12:01:18 AM

+1 Boost

Only the grille needs to be improved.

DieselRules - 2/12/2008 2:42:24 AM

+1 Boost

you can build anything, and put a "toyota" badge on it, and it will sell like hot-cakes. Toyota buyers choose from Consumer Reports ... very few seem to know anything about cars.
The Tacoma is the only pickup where you sit on the floor like the Hilux of 35 years ago, but people still buy it.
I can't figure out why.......

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Designer1 - 2/12/2008 5:41:08 AM

+2 Boost

The front is very ugly, I hope this will NOT be even close to a production look. Why does Toyota need more pickup trucks seriously?

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g2ok - 2/12/2008 8:56:16 AM

+1 Boost

That is not a smart move for Toyota with questionable styling and high gas prices slowing truck sales. They are better off concentrating on the quality of their current models rather than gambling on this.

I think they also need to make the Camry and Corolla better quality to keep customers or they will be losing people in droves.

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g2ok - 2/12/2008 8:59:20 AM

+1 Boost

The title of this article should read "Why has Toyota lost it's focus?"

They are falling into the GM /Ford trap of having too many models on the same platform that offer nothing relevant.

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Whelan - 2/12/2008 10:16:45 AM

+1 Boost

So is this supposed to be like a mini version of the Ridgeline?

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huu76 - 2/12/2008 6:33:28 PM

0 Boost

Looks a lot better from the side, but it was an intersting article nonetheless for anyone who actually read the full thing (or like me, stumbled onto it while at thecarconnection).

Anyway, what wasn't mentioned here.
It seats 4 passengers.
It's a hybrid truck with roof mounted solar panels (hmmm, where have I heard that before?). Since forklifts have no problems lifting all day, I doubt this truck will have problems pulling.
Also, it has a base 4ft bed with an extender to make it 6ft. A decent size for non-heavy duty work.

The true test will be how well it does on mileage. If it goes mid 20s and is priced around $30,000 CDN this truck will sell like crazy.

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huu76 - 2/12/2008 6:35:23 PM

0 Boost

Did anyone else mention, but it's wearing a Scion badge.

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huu76 - 2/15/2008 10:05:32 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry, my mistake. It is the 'T' when you enlarge the pic. Looks like the SC logo when its small.

I was thinking, to get the 6ft bed, you'll probably have to ask the rear passengers to get out (like Avalanche) or to sit on the roof :)

Still, all it probably needs to do is be able to pull 3000lbs with decent pickup.

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