by Ahead of the Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has announced three conceptual versions of the popular RAV4 crossover. Among them are the off-road Outdoor Style, the sporty GR Sport, and a modification of the previous generation called the 50 Series.
Historical Context and TICO’s Role
Although Toyota is known worldwide as an automaker, its corporate structure is much deeper. The company is part of a large industrial ecosystem. One of its fundamental parts is Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), which was originally called Toyota Loom Works and became the starting point for the creation of Toyota Motor Corporation. Today, TICO is a global manufacturer of forklifts, textile machinery, and automotive components.
Concepts for the Tokyo Auto Salon
TICO has revealed three concepts based on the RAV4, which it plans to present at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January. Interestingly, not all of them use the current generation of the vehicle. One of the concepts is built on the platform of the previous generation RAV4, which was recently replaced by a completely new model.
Outdoor Style Concept: Off-Road Look
The first concept is known as the Outdoor Style. It demonstrates what the new RAV4 could look like equipped with a full set of rugged off-road accessories. The exterior features a dark green shade with black off-road-style livery. The vehicle’s ground clearance is increased, and a new matte black plastic front bumper with two bright red tow hooks is installed. New LED daytime running lights and orange grille lights have also been added.
The changes are complemented by new black wheels with red center caps, shod in Toyo off-road tires. The RAV4 also features a new roof rack and a unique rear bumper, also with red accents.
RAV4 GR Sport Prototype: Sporty Direction
Even more exciting than the Outdoor Style is the RAV4 GR Sport Prototype. It is based on the standard GR Sport version. The model shown in the photographs looks almost identical to the production version, however Toyota states that it will be presented alongside a range of GR specification details, demonstrating possible customization options for owners.
50 Series Concept Based on the Previous Generation
The third concept, known as the 50 Series, is built on the recently replaced RAV4. It has a bright blue and black paint job and is also fitted with a new set of black wheels. According to Toyota, this version was created to show how modifying this version of the RAV4 can become “more enjoyable”.
These concepts from TICO highlight how diverse interpretations of even a mass-market model line like the RAV4 can be. From an aggressive off-roader to sporty and custom variants, they demonstrate the potential for personalization and the different cultural preferences of the automotive market. The participation of Toyota Industries Corporation in such an auto salon also reminds us of the broad scope of the Toyota Group’s activities beyond mass-produced automobiles, where engineering and design can experiment with various ideas.
