Toyota created a modular car for rural areas

Toyota introduced the new IMV Origin SUV at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo, which the company intentionally leaves unfinished.

What is known

IMV Origin is a compact open-body vehicle designed for rural areas of Africa with rough roads and a lack of spare parts. The cabin has only one seat, no doors or windows, and the frame is completely bare. In Japan, the car will be assembled at 70%, then like an IKEA kit, it will be sent to the owner for self-assembly or, as Toyota says, a joint creative process.

Toyota designers note that the IMV is easy to assemble and can be adapted for any task—whether as a pickup, van, platform, or even a safari bus. The concept implies that the final assembly will lead to the emergence of mini-factories where local companies can customize vehicles to their needs and become suppliers for various industries.

Previously, Toyota demonstrated a similar project, the IMV 0, later realized in the Hilux Champ model—a versatile and affordable truck.

Technical details of the IMV Origin are not disclosed, but due to the lack of infrastructure for electric vehicles in these regions, the car is likely to be equipped with an internal combustion engine and have dimensions comparable to a small urban car.

Source: Toyota