Toyota A-BAT Hybrid Truck

Toyota's A-BAT hybrid concept pickup truck will be introduced at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The compact pickup has an expandable cargo area and is powered by the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System -- the same system used in the Prius.

The A-BAT is targeted at commuters who are looking for a compact vehicle that gets good gas mileage but can be used to for occasional hauling tasks.

One of the reasons manufacturers build concepts is to get public reaction to a design. Will the A-BAT go from concept to production? Only time will tell, but there seems to be a growing interest in this type of truck.