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But there’s more to the Pod too. Over time, it can adjust to the owner’s personality and create a suitable environment. For example, with a device known as a mini-pod, it can memorise musical preferences based on passenger and driver activity at home. It uses this information to select the right background music and offer shopping guidance. The mini-pod also memorises driving styles and can assess the driver’s emotional state, giving advice when appropriate.

Measuring 3930 mm in length and 1800 mm in width, the 1860 mm tall Pod has a symmetrical body style with electrically-operated sliding doors that open a gap 1400 mm wide. The seats inside the spacious cabin can automatically move into different positions – DRIVE, WELCOME or COMMUNICATION – for the four occupants.

It is unlikely that a car like the Pod will be built (or maybe it will, considering that Toyota offers a product like the WiLL-Vi) but in any case, some mechanical specifications have also been proposed. The engine suggested is a 4-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine and its operation will be entirely electronic, or what is termed ‘drive-by-wire’. There is no steering wheel and directional control will be by means of a joystick type of control which has multiple functions.

DMT
It’s hard to categorise the DMT – Dual Mode Traveler – concept vehicle and so Toyota describes it as ‘a special-purpose cruiser-style vehicle”. The profile is like that of a van with a huge rear cabin that can be configured for various uses. This area is designated the ‘Stay Mode’ while the front section where the cockpit is has the term ‘Drive Mode’. This could well be what today’s mobile homes evolve into someday.

In the raised Drive Mode section, Toyota designers have come up with the next-generation cockpit with lots of electronic displays and a centre cluster than can be positioned in different locations. For a breezy atmosphere, a fold-back sunroof is fitted.

The Stay Mode is a personal space and suggested uses include a computer workstation and an astronomer’s abode. Or it could even be used as a mobile residence for those who prefer not to have a fixed address.

Front-wheel drive is proposed and because it is undeniably a heavy and long vehicle, a petrol engine of at least 2.4 litres is considered the best powerplant.