LAS VEGAS - Toyota Motor Corp. has enlisted Amazon and Uber for its futuristic e-Palette business alliance that it said could one day help make autonomous e-commerce deliveries a reality.
Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota, made the announcement during a press event ahead of the CES show.
“It’s my goal to transition Toyota from an automobile company to a mobility company,” said Toyoda, noting that he views companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook as competitors.
Prior to discussing the business alliance, Toyota showed the e-Palette concept vehicle, which is fully electric and autonomous. During a series of illustrations, Toyota showed the shuttle-like vehicle being used to move packages and people, as well as being converted into a mobile casino and food stand.
The e-Palette would allow partners to install their own automated driving products, or use Toyota’s systems.
