Toyota's Forklift Manufacturer Created Three RAV4s That Appear Completely Different From Yours | Carscoops
Toyota’s industrial counterpart, TICO, is teasing three distinctive RAV4 concepts that will have their world debut at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon.
by Brad Anderson
Toyota Industries will debut three RAV4 concepts at TAS.
The Outdoor Style concept features off-road enhancements and a green color scheme.
The GR Sport RAV4 showcases potential GR parts and enhancements.
While Toyota is globally recognized as an automotive manufacturer, its corporate structure is much more complex. Like many major Japanese industrial corporations, it exists within a broader network of affiliated companies, some of which have overlapping functions.
One of these is Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), a lesser-known yet essential component of the Toyota Group. At the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon, TICO will be present alongside Toyota, unveiling its own conceptual interpretations of various well-known Toyota models.
Before exploring the show vehicles, it’s worth noting some history. Toyota Industries Corporation, initially named Toyota Loom Works, is the origin of what would eventually evolve into Toyota Motor Corporation. Presently, TICO operates globally as a key manufacturer of forklift trucks, textile equipment, and automotive parts, managing brands like Toyota, Raymond, and CESAB.
TICO has provided an early look at three RAV4-based concepts set to be revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon this January. Notably, not all concepts utilize the current-generation model. One concept is based on the previous iteration of the RAV4, which has recently been succeeded by a new model for reasons that remain unclear.
The first model is referred to as the Outdoor Style Concept. It demonstrates how striking the new RAV4 can appear when outfitted with a variety of rugged accessories suitable for challenging off-road conditions or beach driving.
The exterior features a dark green finish along with an off-road-style black design. Toyota appears to have increased the ride height and added a matte-black plastic front bumper, complete with two eye-catching red tow hooks. Additionally, new LED daytime running lights and orange grille lights have been installed.
These modifications are complemented by new black wheels with red center caps, fitted with all-terrain Toyo tires. The RAV4 also includes a new roof rack and a distinctive rear bumper adorned with red accents.
Perhaps even more thrilling than this model is the RAV4 GR Sport prototype. It shares the foundation of the standard GR Sport that our colleague Stephen Rivers tested a few months back.
The prototype depicted in these images is nearly identical to the standard variant. However, Toyota mentions it will be displayed alongside a selection of GR-specific components, showcasing potential customization options for owners.
Lastly, there is the third concept, based on the recently retired RAV4 model. Dubbed the 50 Series, it features a striking blue and black color scheme and is also equipped with a new set of black wheels. Toyota states that it has been designed to demonstrate how modifications to this version of the RAV4 can enhance enjoyment.
John Halas contributed to this report.
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While shark-themed horror films often take the spotlight, snakes, with their slithery and venomous nature, merit recognition too. Notable snake films like Anaconda and Snakes on a Plane certainly deserve a mention. Additionally, there are movies with memorable snake scenes, such as Indiana Jones’s fear of snakes in Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s character in Hard Target, who swiftly knocks out a charging rattlesnake. However, what about the snake films that didn’t achieve mainstream success or have faded from cinematic memory? With that in mind, here’s a curated list of seven snake-themed movies you may not have encountered…
**Venom (1981)**
Initially directed by Tobe Hooper, who left early in production citing "creative differences," Piers Haggard took over to complete Venom. Despite its title, it doesn’t initially feel like a snake film, especially in the beginning. The story is crafted like a kidnapping narrative involving the maid Louise Andrews (Susan George) and chauffeur Dave (Oliver Reed) plotting with the international criminal Jacques Müller (played menacingly by Klaus Kinski) to abduct a boy (Lance Holcomb) in exchange for a hefty ransom.
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**Fangs (1974)**
Although the title Fangs is quite generic for a snake movie, Art Names brings a distinctively odd, grindhouse-style B-movie essence to his sole directorial effort. The narrative follows Snakey Bender (Les Tremayne), an eccentric older man fond of snakes who enjoys entertaining children. When he isn’t tending to his snakes, he joins his friend Burt (Richard Kennedy) for their weekly John Philip Sousa concert. However, Burt’s decision to prioritize his new wife over their routine leaves Snakey feeling resentful.
Interestingly, the snakes aren't the antagonists; instead, Fangs delves into the bizarre aspects of human nature. The film showcases oddball characters, including the snake-obsessed Ms. Williams (Bebe Kelly) and the Palmer siblings (Alice Nunn’s Sis and Bruce Kimball’s Bud), grocery store co-owners who dominate Williams. It also features a revenge subplot centered on Snakey’s quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.
**Calamity of Snakes (1982)**
This film is certainly not for the faint-hearted, particularly those with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) who might want to avoid Calamity of Snakes. Directed by Chi Chang (also known as William Cheung Kei), this Taiwan and Hong Kong joint production does not shy away from the overt brutality and violence associated with snakes. Instead of relying on special effects, it uses real, live snakes to enhance authenticity.
The narrative unfolds as a grim tale of nature turning against humanity, centering on a cocky real estate developer who refuses to call for fire department assistance to handle a snake den on his construction site. Instead, he employs an excavator, killing the snakes with the help of construction workers. This marks the beginning of a bloody retaliation against those responsible for the massacre, as the snakes seek revenge. The film's violence is graphic, especially during a confrontation involving an old snake handler and a giant python.
**Jennifer (1978)**
This supernatural horror film echoes Brian De Palma’s 1976 classic Carrie, featuring a teenage outcast plagued by bullies at school, a fanatically religious parent, supernatural powers, and a revenge plot. In contrast to Carrie’s telekinesis, Jennifer (Lisa Pelikan) uses her psychokinetic ability to control snakes as weapons.
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**Curse II: The Bite (1989)**
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