Toyota to follow Ford in $30k small truck segment

[cadblu]

Seems like everyone is trying to compete in the new segment created by Slate!

Article here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2028-toyota-small-pickup-what-we-know-future-cars

Toyota will launch a small pickup truck to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The yet-to-be-named truck will slot under the Tacoma and serve as the company’s entry-level pickup. With the Maverick’s popularity, Toyota has watched the segment grow—and it’s a segment it doesn’t compete in but would like to. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend the automaker is building the truck. “Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”

Toyota estimates it could sell 100,000–150,000 units every year in the U.S. alone. Appetite for small trucks has increased dramatically, and the Japanese automaker wants to play in it. The only problem? The truck won’t be ready for some time, likely for another two years.

 

[AZFox]

It's a smaller hybrid version of the Tacoma, but with capabilities that closely match those of the new RAV4.

Similar to the Maverick, I have no interest in something like that.

A small, simple, reliable Toyota EV pickup would be tempting. Fortunately for Slate Auto, Toyota's doesn't have a plan to make one of those.

 

[cadblu]

The Toyota will compete with Slate in size and cost, not as an ev. Nevertheless it should be interesting to see if it draws customers away.

Slate has 3 discriminators working in its favor:
1- timing (they will beat Ford and Toyota in time to market
2- cost (mid 20s will appeal to more customers than 30k)
3 - no hybrid, less complexity, virtually maintenance free

Coming up on six months since Slate’s initial public announcement. Hoping to hear some big news soon…

 

[Letas]

Seems like everyone is trying to compete in the new segment created by Slate!

Article here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2028-toyota-small-pickup-what-we-know-future-cars

Toyota will launch a small pickup truck to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The yet-to-be-named truck will slot under the Tacoma and serve as the company’s entry-level pickup. With the Maverick’s popularity, Toyota has watched the segment grow—and it’s a segment it doesn’t compete in but would like to. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend the automaker is building the truck. “Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”

Toyota estimates it could sell 100,000–150,000 units every year in the U.S. alone. Appetite for small trucks has increased dramatically, and the Japanese automaker wants to play in it. The only problem? The truck won’t be ready for some time, likely for another two years.

This could be a hit. Excited to follow it’s progress!

Will undeniably pull buyers from the Slate, however.

 

[SichuanHot]

Toyota always teases something that people actually want. I'll believe it when I see dealers taking reservations for it.

 

[CosmicSlate]

Toyota always teases something that people actually want. I'll believe it when I see dealers taking reservations for it.

So true! I'm still waiting to see this Toyota EV pickup teased in 2021. This headline is from Edmonds, 17 Dec 21.

"This Is Our Best Look Yet at Toyota's EV Pickup: As if an electric Tacoma wasn't enough, Toyota teases an FJ Cruiser-like concept too."

 

[RevCaptJack]

The Toyota will compete with Slate in size and cost, not as an ev. Nevertheless it should be interesting to see if it draws customers away.

Slate has 3 discriminators working in its favor:
1- timing (they will beat Ford and Toyota in time to market
2- cost (mid 20s will appeal to more customers than 30k)
3 - no hybrid, less complexity, virtually maintenance free

Coming up on six months since Slate’s initial public announcement. Hoping to hear some big news soon…

I’m hearing these “comparisons” between the Slate and other little trucks. But they aren’t EVs. Comparing apples and oranges. I love the minimalist simple basic EV Slate.

 

[Sojourner]

I love the minimalist simple basic EV Slate.

^^^ This ^^^

 

[Fattdogs]

Seems like everyone is trying to compete in the new segment created by Slate!

Article here: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2028-toyota-small-pickup-what-we-know-future-cars

Toyota will launch a small pickup truck to compete directly with the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz. The yet-to-be-named truck will slot under the Tacoma and serve as the company’s entry-level pickup. With the Maverick’s popularity, Toyota has watched the segment grow—and it’s a segment it doesn’t compete in but would like to. Cooper Ericksen, Toyota Motor North America’s head of planning and strategy, told MotorTrend the automaker is building the truck. “Decisions have been made,” he said. “The question is when we can slot it in. It’s not a matter of ‘if’ at this point.”

Toyota estimates it could sell 100,000–150,000 units every year in the U.S. alone. Appetite for small trucks has increased dramatically, and the Japanese automaker wants to play in it. The only problem? The truck won’t be ready for some time, likely for another two years.

I've been patiently watching and waiting for Toyota to release a maverick competitor (often said to be called the Toyota Stout) to replace my Mav since 2023... There's been rumors and hints at this since the Mav came out, I'll believe it when they actually reveal something.

 

[timothykf]

This would appeal to the not-so DIYer. Toyota brings a highly visible, reliable network of dealerships/service.

 

[Sparkie]

The Toyota will compete with Slate in size and cost, not as an ev. Nevertheless it should be interesting to see if it draws customers away.

Slate has 3 discriminators working in its favor:
1- timing (they will beat Ford and Toyota in time to market
2- cost (mid 20s will appeal to more customers than 30k)
3 - no hybrid, less complexity, virtually maintenance free

Coming up on six months since Slate’s initial public announcement. Hoping to hear some big news soon…

You forgot #4 -- DIY configurations and significant aftermarket space

I’m hearing these “comparisons” between the Slate and other little trucks. But they aren’t EVs. Comparing apples and oranges. I love the minimalist simple basic EV Slate.

^^^ This ^^^

Me three...

 

[E90400K]

I’m hearing these “comparisons” between the Slate and other little trucks. But they aren’t EVs. Comparing apples and oranges. I love the minimalist simple basic EV Slate.

I just don't understand this thought process. It's a truck, it has 4 wheels and a steering wheel, it hauls and tows stuff, it goes places. What does drivetrain architecture have to do with it?

 

[AZFox]

I just don't understand this thought process. It's a truck, it has 4 wheels and a steering wheel, it hauls and tows stuff, it goes places. What does drivetrain architecture have to do with it?

Simplicity.

 

[E90400K]

Simplicity.

EVs can break, ask any Tesla or Mach E owner.

 

[5ohbrad]

Simplicity.

This^

I can’t stress enough how much value there is in simplicity. Ford and Toyota have both abandoned the simplicity that won them loyalty. My Grandfather drove a mid 80’s Toyota cargo van that had only enough power, A/C and crank windows. We routinely walked past my Grandma’s Lexus to run errands in the van.