Important Innovations

  Toyota's Secret Weapon                                   Source: Toyota & Toyota Patent Filing Toyota Is Seeking Patent Protection For the New Vehicle Toyota is scurrying to secure patent protection on a surprise, small, hybrid-electric SUV that it's developing.  Experts say that the patent filing for the vehicle, which occurred in Australia, clearly depicts the Toyota small SU EV concept that was unveiled in December 2021, but with some very innovative new styling. Production Ready Vehicle Automotive experts believe that this is a production-ready design and quite a surprise weapon for Toyota.  The design is virtually identical to the December 2021 concept with the exception of a new, lower bumper with an unusual, embedded honeycomb pattern on the vehicle's front end, along with integrated fog lights. Based on the patent filings, the vehicle appears to be a hybrid-electric SUV with an electrified powertrain and a combustion engine.  It is likely to be built on Toyota

  Aceman is a Big Design Departure for Mini                                                                                                       Source:  Mini Aceman Pushes The Limits of Futuristic Design & Technologies Iconic British car maker Mini has just unveiled a small, electric SUV concept called Aceman.  In terms of Mini's classic styling, Aceman breaks the mold.  It is futuristic and reflects how Mini is reinventing itself.  Aceman abandons Mini's cute, rounded headlights for more geometric themes. The body of the car is smooth with futuristic, angular touches here and there. Aceman is a very colorful, digital lightshow on wheels. Mini is owned by BMW, which wants at least half of its lineup electrified by 2030.  Aceman's is Mini's first, electric crossover.  Mini wants all of its lineup electrified by 2030. Brand New Design For Mini, Aceman represents how it is reinventing itself for the new electrified marketplace.  According to Mini top management, Acem