DETROIT -- Toyota planners are scrutinizing a concept for an urban youth vehicle created for them by Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research vehicle development program.

Dubbed uBox, the concept unveiled today at the SAE International convention here is one part utility box and one part mobile office. The concept was designed to appeal equally to male and female buyers -- primarily young and largely self-employed, says Johnell Brooks, a psychologist and Clemson associate professor who helped direct the project. The concept was created in collaboration with Toyota’s r&d operations in Michigan. The battery-powered vehicle is intended as a mobile workstation, with flexible seating that can be turned into desks and 110-volt power plugs inside and out that would permit self-employed craftsmen or artists to use tools or equipment at a remote site, says Brian Watkins, spokesman for Toyota Motor North America’s office near Ann Arbor, Mich.   more...

At FenderSplendor® Paint Meters we are ‘pledged’ to keep you up to date on the most important news of the day.