Toyota Rangga Concept: all-rounder for emerging markets

From Indonesia comes a beautiful proposal from the Japanese company: a single chassis capable of transforming to create a ‘family’ of vehicles for the most diverse uses, from work to leisure

Maurice Bertera

We need to look at emerging markets to discover the companies’ commitment to finding vehicles capable of generating entire ranges. After the presentation of Mahindra’s Global Pik up, it was Toyota that showed a very interesting idea at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, a showcase for an increasingly larger market that is asking for simple, robust and versatile vehicles. Born from this need Rangga Concept (the name takes inspiration from the word “Ronggo” in the Javanese language, which refers to a hero who transmits strength and tenacity) of which for now the Japanese company has not provided information regarding the mechanics or the exact measurements, preferring to focus on the vehicle flexibility..

THE DEVELOPMENT OF IMV

Toyota Rangga is an evolution of the IMV (Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle), originally introduced in Thailand, in December 2022. The utilitarian aspect remains unchanged, including the heavy dose of plastic covering on the sturdy front and the simple design that allows you to replace body panels. To showcase the modular nature of the chassis, the company created four different variations of the concept: Mobile Cafe, Ambulance, Mobile Service Station for EV and Pace Car. The Mobile Café It features a rear section with side opening, making it perfect for offering snacks and drinks. L’Ambulance it has a higher roof that allows for patient transport, as well as the necessary strobe lights and white/red livery. There Service Station for EV is designed to provide charging for electric vehicles. Finally, the Peace Car it is a ‘racing’ version of the vehicle characterized by lowered suspension, performance tyres, pronounced splitter and rear spoiler mounted on the edge of the floor.

THE FUTURE

On the topic, Toyota also invited enthusiasts to participate in a competition, where they will be able to propose their own interpretations of the concept. Nine projects will be selected to be showcased in action at the official launch of Rangga. There are already interesting renderings such as an ice cream truck, a fire engine, a camper and various other interpretations of the vehicle. For the record, the author of the winning project will receive 100 million Indonesian rupees, the equivalent of around 6,000 euros. Competition aside, Toyota has confirmed that a series version of the Rangga will arrive in the near future, without going overboard with dates and perspectives. It could be the third commercial vehicle that the company has recently mentioned when talking about its future strategy in the LCV sector, the same plan of which the Corolla-based pick-up should also be part.



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