CES 2018: Toyota developing driverless delivery pods, taxis, and mobile shops

The firm is working with Amazon, Pizza Hut and Uber on the e-Palette vehicle

Driverless delivery pods that double as taxis and mobile shops are being developed by Toyota.

The Japanese car manufacturer announced the concept for its “e-Palette” system, which it said would consist of “fully automated, next-generation, battery electric vehicles designed to be scalable and customisable”.

They can be configured to suit uses that include delivering packages, takeaways and passengers.

Toyota said it was working with firms including Amazon, Pizza Hut and Uber and planned to put the e-Palettes on the road for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

The pods will be available in three sizes, with the one on show at CES slightly larger than a Transit van.

Toyota’s president, Akio Toyoda, said: “This announcement marks a major step in our evolution towards sustainable mobility, demonstrating our continued expansion beyond traditional cars.”

Mark Blunden flew as a guest of Virgin Atlantic, which flies the Boeing 747-400 daily from Gatwick to Las Vegas. More details: virginatlantic.com

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