Daihatsu recently took to the Japan Mobility Show to showcase some of the fascinating vehicles it’s building in the small segment. Personally speaking, small cars are incredibly difficult to pull off with all the features and functionalities, let alone the idea of stuffing them with features to fit the camper segment. But that’s what Daihatsu continues to take up as a challenge for itself, which is evident in the showcase of the Toyota Daihatsu Kayoibako-K concept.
The adorable micro-transporter is showcased in various possible variants, including a camper van, a small family hauler, and as a self-driving adventurer and mobile delivery van. While the concept vehicle is not fully autonomous, the Kayoibako-K concept has been depicted in promotional videos as navigating itself to the driver’s doorsteps, driving autonomously on specific routes, or returning autonomously to its parking spot after a long day of work.
Designer: Daihatsu
Even though, for those who have been following Toyota’s vision of the micro-van, there wouldn’t be much to distinguish between the Kayoibako-K and the original Kayoibako concept the company showcased at the Japan Mobility Show, two years back in 2023, but the adorable micro-camper is skimmed down in size further to be more adaptable to city roads. Kayoibako is a name Toyota has picked from the name deriving from shipping containers in Japanese, which rely on modular interiors to haul different types of cargo. On similar lines, the Kayoibako-K is a compact concept van and mini-camper, is basically a single vehicle (a platform) that features interchangeable interiors for versatility and enhanced scope of use.
According to the press information received, Kayoibako-K van measures almost 3,395mm, 1,475 mm wide, and 1,475 mm high. It can accommodate 4 people, and is designed to pull off everything from last-mile deliveries in local communities to camping beyond the cityscapes, in of course what is the smallest mini vehicle form factor ever in the mini vehicle-sized commercial vehicles. In the camper version, this little vehicle puts on a roof tent accessible by a ladder, and off-road tires for traveling some unpaved roads on the way to the campsite.
Even though camping has its versatile functionality, the Kayoibako-K is primarily conceptualized with a large rear cabin for delivering packages. The van can work as a mobile storefront, used to carry tools, and even be used, if you may, as a cab to transport elderly passengers in an urban road setting. However, it’s the camper van feature of the Kayoibako-K that impresses me. The van is shown to feature a two-person rooftop tent, and can also be used to haul your gear, including a kayak, to the beach. There is no word on when or if the concept micro camper van will hit the market, but if and when it does, it will definitely slay the onlooker with its graphic detailing and blinky-like headlamps.
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