The Vision Behind the 2024 Toyota Tacoma New Cap Styling

Meet Jeff Hickey

Introducing Jeff Hickey, the chief design engineer driving the innovation of our latest products for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. With a background in Automotive Product Design and 22 years of experience in Automotive Accessory Development, Jeff adds a wealth of expertise to our team. Known for creativity and attention to detail, he has been instrumental in shaping the vision and execution of this new product design.

 

We sat down with Jeff for an exclusive interview, where he shared insights from the design process, the challenges he faced, and the unique style lines that set our product apart.

Get ready for an informative behind the scenes look at the new product development process.

1. What inspired the initial concept for this product?

Jeff Hickey: Automotive design is a rapidly changing environment. The days of cars and trucks considered as just a tool for transportation or work are gone. Many people see their vehicle as an expression of themselves. Our products should be an extension of that thinking. Additionally, we ask ourselves, how can we create products that stand out from the crowd?

In today’s world, trucks are more than just transportation, Jeff and his team create products that resonate with personal expression. Their vision is to make each vehicle stand out in a crowd.

 

2. What were the primary goals when developing this product?

Jeff Hickey: The goal of this new product innovation is to highlight the truck's design and create truck accessories that enhance the vision of the original manufacturer. We strive to make products that look like they intentionally came off the assembly line as part of an overall package with the original purchase of the truck.

Jeff's primary goal was to develop this new product to seamlessly integrate with the truck's design, enhancing its aesthetic and functional appeal.

 

3. What challenges did you face during the design process?

Jeff Hickey: Our plan was to follow the distinct style lines and shape of the Toyota Tacoma and extend these features into our new product design using different materials and methods. Overall, making fiberglass products look like stamped steel panels from today’s trucks presents some design and manufacturing challenges.

One of the main challenges Jeff and his team faced was replicating the crisp lines and aesthetic using fiberglass to replicate the concepts of stamped steel.

 

4. How did you incorporate overall feedback into this new design?

Jeff Hickey: We pushed the boundaries with the new styling based on both internal and external feedback. LEER has been the leader in the cap and truck accessories industry for many years, and we must evolve to stay on top. We also listened to the voices of our customer and dealer network, to take our design to the next level for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The feedback acknowledged the market was ready for some new life, and this was the first step on this exciting journey.

When considering the feedback from internal teams, customers, and dealers, Jeff and his team embraced a bold new direction to inject fresh concepts into the market.

5. What materials and technologies were used in the design process?

Jeff Hickey: We partnered with EAVX, another JBPCO subsidiary, to brainstorm the initial concept renderings and then used LEER Group’s Design Team to execute the vision in CAD with SolidWorks and Mastercam software.

Jeff collaborated with EAVX for the initial concepts and utilized SolidWorks and Mastercam CAD software to bring their vision to life.

EAVX is the technology and innovation hub of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO), committed to optimizing the chassis, body, technology, and design of the next generation of commercial fleets/vehicles.

 

6. Describe the unique style lines.

Jeff Hickey: The goal was to blend the truck’s design features seamlessly into the cap concept. This was achieved by pulling body lines, glass shape, and overall look from the truck into this new styling.

By integrating the truck's body lines, glass shape and symmetry, the new product fits cleanly with the Tacoma's look and extends the aesthetic.

7. How does this product compare with existing truck caps for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?

Jeff Hickey: This product is a large step up from what is available today and will raise the bar for our industry.

We are confident that our new design will offer a fresh, innovative look that complements the Tacoma's modern aesthetics.

 

8. What criteria is used to determine whether this product meets safety/regulatory standards?

Jeff Hickey: We test each of the new designs using the same standards we have always used. This process ensures there are no trade-offs or compromises made with this new direction.

These safety and regulatory standards confirm that the new product meets the highest benchmarks without any compromises.

 

9. What is the next step in the launch of this product?

Jeff Hickey: We are striving for full production on all product lines for the new Tacoma and anticipate a very positive reaction as these hit the market. We’ll continue to raise the bar for our industry when it comes to innovation.

Jeff anticipates positive market feedback as this new look rolls out.

 

10. We look forward to seeing what’s next.

Jeff Hickey: This launch is the first step in the process of LEER Group’s exciting new direction focused on Design and Innovation.

Jeff is excited about the future and sees this launch as the beginning of a new era for the Leer Group, centered on design and innovation.

Jeff Hickey's dedication and vision have played a pivotal role in the exciting new updates for the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. Through his innovative approach, Jeff and his team have not only addressed the evolving needs of modern vehicle owners but set new benchmarks in automotive design for truck accessories. From seamlessly integrating style lines to overcoming manufacturing challenges, their efforts reflect a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of the market.

Partnering with industry leaders like EAVX, our team harnessed cutting-edge technology to create a product that stands out. These new Tacoma accessories will not only meet but exceed customer expectations, bringing fresh life to the market.

As we launch these new products, it's clear that the LEER Group engineering team will steer us towards a future where design and innovation take center stage. We look forward to seeing what our design team has in store for the future. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we continue to innovate and explore today’s automotive design.