Although a wooden vehicle might not seem like the most durable out there, the Toyota Setsuna is intended to last generations thanks to the construction.
Crafted from a series of different kinds of wood, the Toyota Setsuna is a conceptual vehicle that would change and mature with use rather than just looking like an old car. The vehicle would feature an electric motor and be able to carry a driver with a passenger to boot.
The Toyota Setsuna wooden vehicle is set to debut at the Milan Design Week in April to the delight of design and car enthusiasts alike. Kenji Tsuji, the Toyota engineer behind the Setuna, explain the vehicle: "We evaluated various ways to express the concept and selected different lumber materials for specific applications, such as Japanese cedar for the exterior panels and Japanese birch for the frame. We also paid particular attention to the sizes and arrangements of individual parts."
Conceptual Wooden Vehicles
The Toyota Setsuna will Debut at Milan Design Week in April
Trend Themes
1. Conceptual Wooden Vehicles - As wooden vehicles continue to gain attention and recognition, there are opportunities for companies to explore environmentally sustainable alternatives to traditional cars.
2. Sustainable Automotive Materials - The use of different types of wood in automotive production could lead to innovations in sustainability and eco-friendly materials for both cars and other products.
3. Design-focused Electric Vehicles - Combining beautiful design with modern technology, Toyota's Setsuna concept highlights the potential for electric vehicles to be viewed as a luxury product rather than just a practical one.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - Companies in the automotive industry can explore the use of sustainable materials, such as wood, in car production to create more eco-friendly and durable vehicles.
2. Furniture - As wooden vehicles gain popularity, there could be an opportunity for furniture manufacturers to explore the use of similar materials in the creation of sustainable, eco-friendly furniture pieces.
3. Design - The intersection of design and technology can lead to a variety of innovative products, such as Toyota's Setsuna, creating opportunities for design companies to explore new concepts in composite materials.