THIS year's Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo was the perfect stage for Toyota to showcase the lengths it would go to in its new direction.
Concept vehicles that showcased the company's mobility solution ambitions took on multiple forms this year that went beyond your common futuristically sporty passenger car.
One of the company's highlights was the IMV 0 concept model, a mobility solution that allows customisable parts to be bolted onto the deck section.
The highly customisable pickup-type concept model is a throwback to the origins of Toyota's IMV project which allows owners to play a part in the process of creating their mobility depending on their preference from business to leisure applications.
Then there's the Kayoibako, a concept vehicle whose name refers to the configurable shipping containers that allow for safe and efficient transporting of parts and products between facilities. It is said its size was determined upon to eliminate waste and is able to meet diverse needs with changeable inserts.
Toyota sought to create a "quality base unit" of mobility with the Kayoibako through a commitment to interior-exterior packaging and affordability.
The BEV has an 'ultra-expandable' design that allows tailoring to suit different roles and can also support a diverse range of applications.
As a BEV with both customisable hardware and software the vehicle can be tailored to function to specific roles as part of smart grids and other intelligent social systems.
For example, it can contribute to smart distribution systems by allowing customization for efficient low-volume transportation to tackle last-mile logistics when it comes to business applications.
It can also be customized to meet the needs of local communities, such as by installing product display shelves to create a mobile shop or additional seating to serve as a shuttle bus.
A range of lifestyle and accessibility options for private use can also be prioritized, say for example enabling designs that offer easier access for wheelchair users.
Speaking of wheelchairs, Toyota also took the opportunity to display its concept of an electric wheelchair.
Juu, as it is named, incorporates automotive components to maintain a standard of quality and reliability.
It employs motors used in cars drive system and two large powered wheels (main wheels) on the sides to assist in traversing steps be it climbing or descending a stairway.
The retractable tail flips down from behind the backrest to prevent tipping and stabilize the wheelchair. It automatically maintains an optimal posture and can negotiate steps up to 16cm tall.
There's also the three-wheeled electric personal mobility concept Land Hopper whose key features include two front wheels and has a foldable design for easy storage even with limited car trunk space.
The bike's aim is to enable travel and support independence at different life stages since it can be ridden without a driver's licence - though Toyota has suggested that the rider be at least 16 years old or older.
The purpose of its compact body size and low seat height make reaching the ground and getting on-off easier. Manoeuvrability is another huge focus of the Land Hopper as it employs a distinctive lean mechanism which allows the mechanically-linked front wheels to move up and down for a more intuitive ride.
Why settle for the skies when you can aim for the stars? At least that was certainly what Toyota has in mind with its space mobility prototype vehicle.
The experimental vehicle for advancing development, particularly of drive system technologies, is aimed at creating mobility for use on the moon and in outer space.
Each wheel is fitted with its own motor and steering as part of the vehicle's specifications for being developed to provide safe, reliable driving even in rugged and unforgiving extraterrestrial environments.
The electric-powered vehicle with a focus on driving performance is capable of navigating boulders up to 50cm tall and climbing steep 25-degree slopes. The technology honed through this prototype will be used in space mobility vehicles such as the Lunar Cruiser.
Not limiting mobile solutions to simply the models themselves Toyota has also come up with a new Neo Steer design - a new cockpit concept based on motorcycle handlebars and the integration of the accelerator and brake pedals into the steering wheel.
Its purpose according to Toyota is to help foster greater love for cars, and deliver the joy and excitement of mobility for all.
A sweeping field of vision is made possible by the steering wheel's irregular profile, as with a roomier pedal-free floor space that leads to an unrestricted driving position along with smoother entry and exit.
An intuitive hand-operated driving experience also offers users with lower limb impairments a safer and friendlier drive.
Circling back to the more traditional take on concept models are the BEV 7-seater electric sports utility vehicle (e-SUV) Land Cruiser Se and 5-seater electric pickup truck EPU.
Not much was revealed on the two other than sporting futuristic designs while housing a BEV powertrain.
Toyota's two models that stole the spotlight at the event were the futuristic BEV concept models FT-3e and the FT-Se sedans.
The FT-3e's exterior design combines both advanced styling and aesthetics with simple lines and surfaces.
Digital displays running from the lower side body to the upper door provide information, including battery charge, onboard temperature, and interior air quality when the driver approaches the car.
Sharing major components with the FT-3e, the FT-Se is Toyota's attempt at taking its sports expertise gained through their Gazoo Racing efforts to a whole new level by making even-better cars through motorsports.
Designed with wide and low proportions in mind, along with a sleek, cutting-edge silhouette to reduce aerodynamic drag, a major focus of the car is the pursuit of better handling stability and aerodynamic performance. The car then continues to evolve and adapt with the driver through software updates.
Inside the car is a next-generation full-digital cockpit with intuitive controls and the aim is to give a more immersive driving experience.
A low instrument panel profile aims to offer high visibility and the newly designed kneepads protect the body from G-forces during driving.