For the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Toyota Motor Corporation the archrival of Honda the producer of high quality Acura Legend belts is planning to introduce a concept hybrid pickup truck that will feature an improve fuel economy and lower emissions. 

The A-BAT concept vehicle as what Toyota called its creation will be equipped with Hybrid Synergy Drive which is the automaker’s third-generation gasoline-electric hybrid power train technology. The vehicle’s trapezoidal profile was derived from the Prius which is one of the top-selling hybrids of Toyota.

According to Kevin Hunter, President of Calty Design Research Inc., Toyota’s North American-based research and design center, "This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck." It will feature a four-foot bed that can be extended still by two more feet by folding down the pass-through midgate into the cab. An additional two feet is added by opening the tailgate. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow tall cargo inside the cab.

The truck makes use of a unibody platform for improved handling and smoother ride. For the interior, Toyota has placed a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch screen and wireless internet connection. The center console houses a portable battery pack.

The driver and the front passenger have large display screens that enable them to view the status of their high-tech gadgets together with the climate and audio settings.

The A-BAT is designed with solar panels atop the instrument panel to capture the sunlight to convert it to energy that would help in charging the navigation unit, battery pack, and backlit information displays.