Toyota-Kinto 98% Concept Mobility Solution

The "Toyota-Kinto 98% Concept," designed by Matt Zihang Zheng, offers a visionary and sustainable mobility solution tailored to the commuting needs of the 98th percentile of commuters. This project was developed under the framework of Kinto, a Toyota brand dedicated to providing flexible, convenient, and environmentally conscious transportation services.

As level-5 full self-driving technology matures, this project explores how vehicles could tackle two major urban challenges: excessive parking space usage and traffic congestion, by transforming vehicles into autonomous “Mobility as a Service” (MaaS) solutions.

Inspired by the efficient stacking of shopping carts, the Toyota-Kinto 98% Concept redefines vehicle architecture with a focus on flexibility and spatial efficiency. Its unique stackable design allows the vehicle to reduce its footprint when not in use by aligning its front and rear wheels, enabling seamless connection with other Kinto vehicles. This "Stacked Parking" feature maximizes parking space utilization, improving spatial efficiency by 425% compared to traditional parking methods in a 100 ft. by 100 ft. area. This innovation directly addresses urban issues like heat island effects and stormwater pollution caused by expansive, non-porous parking lots.

Beyond parking, the concept introduces "Group Cruising," a freeway driving solution where multiple Kinto vehicles form a convoy when traveling in the same direction. By reducing the need for distance between vehicles, this approach maximizes road usage, alleviates congestion, and cuts down on energy waste from idling and individual-moving traffic. In fact, "Group Cruising" improves spatial efficiency by 279% when compared to traditional vehicles traveling at 70 mph.

The Toyota-Kinto 98% Concept embodies a forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation. Its stackable, modular design not only revolutionizes parking and traffic but also minimizes environmental impact. Ultimately, it paves the way for a more affordable, efficient, and eco-friendly commuting experience in urban settings.