Toyota RAV4 Mountain Rescue concept car brings out the raw and utilitarian side of the modern SUV.
We sometimes forget that, while SUVs are perfect to bring the kids and their friends to Tuesday night’s soccer practice, they were once designed to at least tackle some light off-roading from time to time. Hence, they are perfect as emergency service vehicles. Following that idea, Toyota proposes a version of the RAV4 designed for rescuing people stuck in the mountains and other rough terrains. The RAV4 Mountain Rescue is designed to fulfill that function and comes with all the necessary characteristics.
The concept model was going to be presented at the Tokyo Motor Show 2021, but Toyota had to revise its plan after it was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The presentation has been scheduled in Japan’s mountain areas to see how it fares in real-life conditions.
The RAV4 Mountain Rescue concept is based on the RAV4 Adventure Gear unveiled at the 2020 Tokyo Motor Show. However, it has been slightly modified, adding hazard lights and other elements reinforcing its role as an emergency vehicle for mountain rescue and harsh environmental conditions.
To achieve optimal efficiency on its duty, the RAV 4 Mountain Rescue is equipped with loudspeakers, multiple cameras, a LiDAR sensor, and a surveillance drone on board. The equipment includes a high mountain rescue kit, where we find protective helmets, ropes, and a sled to move injured or unconscious persons through the snow.
Several advanced tech features have been introduced, such as augmented reality, displaying direction indications, and warning drivers of potential hazards in adverse environmental conditions. We assume that it will be based on geolocation to determine where the vehicle is moving and what it might encounter along the way.
Unfortunately, as with many other prototypes and concepts, it does not seem likely that the RAV4 Mountain Rescue would ever reach the production stage. However, some of the elements used for this RAV4 concept could be either applied to other models or sold as add-ons enhancing existing emergency service vehicles’ capabilities. And who knows? The technology and accessories developed could, one day, end up providing service and help lost mountaineers.
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