Toyota ME.WE

Toyota introduced its new prototype me.We, the innovative result of a collaboration between the European Centre for Design and Development of Toyota and Jean-Marie Massaud, renowned creative designer acclaimed for its visionary projects in design and architecture. Me.We Toyota's goal is to create a vehicle for everyone, to take a new approach to pleasure, easier, more suitable and more realistic (easy to park, adaptable to different lifestyles and use extremely nice): it is a real alternative to car based on the "passion" and status.

For Toyota, which signed its partnership with Studio Massaud in July 2011, it is a good opportunity to learn a unique experience around a project that marks a paradigm shift regarding the

design and the traditional automotive engineering. Toyota me.We was conceived as an electric vehicle whose engines are integrated into the wheels the same way as in the Toyota i-ROAD, whose batteries are located under the floor, as in the Toyota iQ EV. Thus freed from the constraints of traditional design, the interior is entirely devoted to the needs of the five occupants.

The objectives aimed at reducing CO2 emissions and protect energy resources, required a different design approach to ensure vehicle weight reduction. To achieve that goal, Toyota me.We has an aluminum coated body panels, made from expanded polypropylene, a lightweight, robust and recyclable. Thus, the weight of me.We reached only 750 kg, a figure which represents a reduction of at least 20% compared with traditional B-segment vehicle with steel body. Tara reduction is primarily due to the mass difference between the body panels made ​​of polypropylene (only 14 kg) and made ​​of steel.

Because it is created from materials whose use results in lower energy consumption?, And therefore lower CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases?, And since the natural materials used are readily available, Toyota me.We provides a intelligent response to the environmental challenges posed by mass production and growth of the world fleet. On board, passengers have priority over baggage that can be carried on the roof, protected by a neoprene cover. This cover is wrapped around the front of the ceiling and can be deployed to cover and hold the objects placed on it. Moreover, the rear luggage space can be extended and transformed into a platform, similar to that of a "pickup". Mounted on rails, the back row of seats can be folded and stored under the front seat.

The simplicity of design and use is also reflected in the characteristics of the instrumentation. It is limited to a single display mounted on the steering wheel that indicates the vehicle speed, the level of battery charger, trip information and navigation instructions provided by a smartphone. The smartphone is mounted under the screen, and offers occupants the ability to create their own personal environment? Communications, music and other applications?, As well as to control the interior temperature. The heating and air conditioning work with an air pump low consumption, combined with heated power seats to minimize energy consumption. And to emulate the experience offered a convertible, the occupants can choose to feel the wind by opening all windows and even the windshield.