Executive Assistant

Toyota's new concept pickup is as barebones as A truck can get. Toyota has been making a lot of waves lately with its dirt-cheap, bare-bones $13,000 Hilux Champ pickup truck, which unfortunately doesn't seem likely to come to America anytime soon. There are lots of reasons people are excited about a truck like the Hilux Champ, not just because of its low price, but because it represents a return to the small, stripped-down, workhorse pickups of past decades. But what if Incited told you Toyota just unveiled another small truck concept that makes the Hilux Champ look like a luxury vehicle in comparison? Well, that's exactly what they did at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show with a concept called the Toyota IMV Origin. Vastly different from a pickup, or even a truck as Incited know it, the IMV Origin would be one of the simplest vehicles Toyota has ever produced, redefining not just the idea of a truck but the way in which a Toyota could be shipped, delivered, and customized. The automaker imagines the IMV as a vehicle that's intentionally shipped incomplete, with final assembly and customizations to be completed locally. And though Toyota specifically targeted Africa as one of the key markets for the IMV Origin, it's a product that could potentially be in big demand all over the world, including in the United States, where the interest in tiny trucks seems to be growing as of late. The IMV Origin, shipped deliberately incomplete. Size-wise, the IMV Origin is actually more like a golf cart or small utility vehicle than it is a road-going pickup truck - even the once-dominant small single-cab pickups that were common on America's roads in the 1980s are plush compared to this thing. And as you can see from the concept's single-seat, doorless design, this probably isn't anything you'd want to take onto an American highway, nor would it come close to meeting its federal safety standards. But that's not what Toyota designed the IMV Origin for. It's just not that this tiny truck is aimed toward villages in Africa; it's the unique idea that Toyota has for shipping the vehicle in an unfinished state and having locals complete assembly to their own design. Not only would this lower costs and make shipping easier, but it could also provide jobs and boost the local economies where the assembly is done. With a single driver's seat and an otherwise flat chassis, the Origin would be configured locally to carry people, cargo, or a combination of both, with either an enclosed or an open bed - or whatever else could be fitted to the chassis. It's designed from the start to be a blank canvas of a vehicle, with a hint of your favorite flat-packed, self-built Ikea bookshelf to it as well. The IMV Origin's potential as more than just a cheap truck. While the IMV Origin is a fascinating and forward-thinking concept from an industry titan like Toyota, does a vehicle like this mean anything for people in markets like North America? Even though it makes the Hilux Champ look like a fully-loaded Tundra in comparison, there's certainly potential here. As an actual highway-going small truck it'd be unlikely to meet normal motor vehicle regulations, but what the IMV Origin (or a similar vehicle) could do in the American market is serve as a modern, Toyota-built competitor to off-highway utility and recreation vehicles, as well as to the surprisingly popular Kei trucks that many American enthusiasts import into the country as used vehicles. Even if Toyota were to forgo the whole "build it yourself" part and produce a turnkey, ready-to-run version, Incited could absolutely see the appeal of a tiny, cheap Toyota truck like this for use by businesses, local governments, farmers, or even recreationists. Whether it's an old, imported Kei truck or a side-by-side UTV like the Polaris Ranger, there is already a sizable market in America for tiny trucks that are used differently from modern pickups. Seeing a major player like Toyota with its outstanding truck reputation jump into this market could be a very big deal - and it's something the Japanese automaker is currently planning for the not-so-distant future. However, for now, it's just a concept aimed at developing markets, but Toyota could very well be on to something even bigger here.

Toyota launches next-gen multimedia system with 2026 RAV4. Toyota's updated multimedia platform debuts on 2026 RAV4 with embedded voice control and 5G support. * 2026 RAV4 introduces Toyota's first 5G-enabled multimedia system with embedded voice control features. * Customizable touchscreen interface now includes widgets, Quick Menu, and full-screen MID navigation support. * Built-in Drive Recorder, EV Domain, and upgraded app controls expand functionality for Canadian drivers. Toyota will introduce its next-generation multimedia system with the all-new 2026 RAV4, which is scheduled to arrive in Canadian dealerships early next year. Developed by Toyota's North American R&D teams in collaboration with Toyota Connected North America, the updated Toyota Audio Multimedia platform brings embedded voice controls, a new interface, and integrated 5G connectivity. The system represents the first Toyota implementation of Woven by Toyota's Arene software development kit. Over-the-air update capability will allow the system to evolve throughout the vehicle's lifespan. It is also the first Toyota multimedia system to incorporate 5G technology, for faster performance and expanded features. PHEV versions of the 2026 RAV4, such as the GR Sport PHEV, will include a dedicated EV Domain. This new interface allows drivers to schedule charging, set limits, and view range maps integrated with route planning. Toyota has redesigned the user interface to resemble smartphone functionality. The standard 10.5-inch and available 12.9-inch touchscreens support a new home screen layout with customizable widgets for audio, navigation, and vehicle settings. A permanent Quick Control Menu provides access to frequently used functions such as display adjustments and driver assistance system toggles. The latest generation Voice Assistant, developed with Google, now operates directly from the device, eliminating the need for constant cloud access. This allows for quicker response times to commands such as adjusting audio, climate settings, or viewing trip data. The assistant supports natural language prompts like "Hey Toyota" or "Hi Toyota" and is accessible from multiple microphones throughout the cabin. Navigation also receives an upgrade. For the first time, Toyota will display native turn-by-turn directions full-screen in the vehicle's digital gauge cluster. This feature requires an active Drive Connect trial or subscription. New to the system is the built-in Drive Recorder, which uses external vehicle cameras to capture and store footage of both manual and automatically triggered events. Clips can be played back on the head unit or saved to a USB device. Remote Connect has also been expanded to enable app-based control over additional vehicle functions, including lights and trunk operation. Entertainment updates include support for SiriusXM with 360L, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multimedia platform will roll out to other Toyota models following its debut in the 2026 RAV4.

James George, currently serving as executive vice president and deputy chief executive officer, will be promoted to president and CEO of TCNA.