Toyota presented a very interesting group of concepts at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) based on the new Rangga truck which is aimed to become an affordable multi-purpose light commercial vehicle for emerging markets.
The Toyota Rangga is an evolution of the IMV 0 (Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle) that was originally introduced in Thailand, on December 2022. The utilitarian looks remain unchanged, including the heavy dose of plastic cladding on the rugged face and the easy-to-replace body panels. This time we also get to see different variations of the headlights with halogen or LED graphics. The truck might still be presented as a concept, but Toyota has confirmed it will soon lead to a new lineup of commercial vehicles.
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Live Photos: Toyota / Top Gear Philippines
Rangga means “Hero” in the Javanese language, although it is not clear if this nameplate will be used in markets outside Indonesia. Locally, the model is presented as a spiritual successor to the Toyota Kijang Pick Up from 1977. As with the Kijang, Toyota plans on collaborating with local car shops to transform the Rangga, making it suitable for various uses.
In order to showcase the truck’s modular nature, the company created four different variants: Mobile Cafe, Ambulance, Mobile Service Station for EVs, and Pace Car. The Mobile Cafe has a rear section that opens from the sides, making it perfect for offering snacks and drinks in venues. The Ambulance has a higher roof allowing the transportation of patients, alongside the necessary strobe lights and white/red livery. The EV Mobile Service Station is designed to provide charging to electric vehicles that run out of power. Last but not least, the Pace Car is a racing version of the truck featuring a lowered suspension, performance tires, a racing livery, a pronounced splitter, and a rear spoiler mounted on the edge of the flatbed.
Digital Design Competition Will Translate Into Real-Life Prototypes
The four aforementioned concepts will serve as an inspiration for the “Toyota Rangga Concept Digimodz Contest” which asks participants to create digital renderings of the truck based on three different themes – Business (commercial vehicles), Lifestyle (aftermarket tuning etc), and Public Service (ambulance, garbage collector etc). People are free to add custom bodykits, decals, wheels, and accessories as long as they retain the main bodywork, lights, and Toyota emblems.
Besides several monetary prizes for the selected entries, 9 winners will see their renderings come to life in the form of mockups that will be presented in the Rangga’s official launch. Furthermore, the 3 top proposals will evolve into 1:1 prototypes in collaboration with local tuners and be displayed at the Indonesia International Motor Show 2024 where the final winner will be announced.
Underpinnings And Market Launch
The automaker remains coy on the specifications, but it is clear that the truck is based on a ladder-frame chassis with leaf springs at the back and a combustion engine under the bonnet. Top Gear Philippines, reports that the Rangga will be offered with turbodiesel, petrol, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.
The market launch of the production-spec Toyota Rangga is expected in 2024. The roll-out will start from Thailand before the truck’s availability expands to other markets including Indonesia. Local media suggest that the vehicle will be offered at a lower price point than the Toyota Hilux, offering an alternative to second-hand pickups.