A Toyota executive in Australia says the new Quantum (badged as the HiAce in that market) is “perfectly aligned” with the Japanese brand’s future, adding it has been transformed into “much more than a box on wheels”.

Speaking to motoring.com.au, Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing Sean Hanley said the new Quantum had arrived “at an incredible time”.

“We’re only seven months away from the start of the 2020s, a decade that will transform our company and, I believe, our industry. But that doesn’t faze Toyota at all. We have a proud history of embracing transformation, from looms to cars and now from cars to mobility,” Hanley said.

“[Quantum] is perfectly aligned with where we know the future is heading. With this new generation we’ve transformed [Quantum] into a vehicle that is much more than a ‘box on wheels’. In the future we see [Quantum] transforming into a blank slate for a variety of transport needs using the latest technology.

“It will embody the key pillars that make mobility for all possible – connected, autonomous, and with shared mobility on demand,” he added.

In May 2019, a high-ranking Toyota executive confirmed the automaker was “studying” the possibility of developing a hybrid powertrain option for the new Quantum.

Original article from Car