Toyota range expansion delivers complete fleet proposition

Toyota’s expanding commercial vehicle line-up makes it one of only a few brands to offer vans and pick-up trucks in every size category.

With plans to advance its connected and data-based services, enhance its dealerships and offer turn-key conversions, Toyota Professional is ready to offer a complete fleet proposition for the first time.

Central to this evolution is the introduction of Proace Max, Toyota’s first large van. It arrives alongside facelifted versions of the Proace City and Proace. All three are based on Stellantis platforms.

Toyota offers diesel and electric powertrain options across its Proace van line-up, while hybrid power is available on both the Corolla Commercial and Hilux.

This breadth of choice aligns with Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy, which deploys different solutions that can reduce CO2 emissions while offering the affordability, practicality and flexibility that customers need.

Gareth Matthews (pictured below), LCV manager at Toyota , says: “We pride ourselves on the fact that a really high percentage of our overall volume is core fleet. But, historically, not being able to provide a van in every segment meant that even though we've got a really good relationship with certain fleet customers, if they need a heavy van as part of their fleet they have to go elsewhere.

“The launch of Proace Max enables us to have a far more solus type of relationship with some of the biggest fleets and offer a complete proposition covering every segment, as well as to provide a car option if they have cars on fleet with Toyota and Lexus.”

The brand achieved record sales in 2023, shifting more than 19,000 light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK. With a fresh product portfolio and commitment to customer care, Toyota Professional expects to gain market share in 2025.

Commitment to customer care

The Toyota Promise provides every Toyota Professional customer with a package of peace-of-mind benefits linked to their vehicle.

Chief among this is an industry-leading warranty package. All vehicles come with standard cover of three years or 60,000 miles, but this can be extended up to a maximum of 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Once the initial warranty period has passed, a further one year/10,000 miles warranty is provided each time the vehicle undergoes a qualifying service at an authorised Toyota workshop, at no additional cost to the customer.

The warranty is unique to Toyota and has helped it secure multiple Fleet News awards. In 2024, it picked up trophies for the Proace City in Best Small Van category and for the Hilux in the Best All-Terrain Workhorse category.

Toyota roadside assistance is also included, for the first five years, and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If a vehicle is off the road for service or maintenance, customers can access a replacement vehicle to suit their business needs. The business has recently expanded its courtesy programme and now has almost 150 Proace models available across its network.

Vehicle downtime can also be minimised with the option of Express Service, which sees two technicians allocated to a vehicle, using a workstation dedicated to LCVs. Potentially this can see routine maintenance tasks being completed twice as quickly. This service is scheduled for introduction during 2025.

Matthews says: “Our Toyota network are the key to us providing class leading levels of customer care. We never say that things won't go wrong, but we do say that we will be the best at fixing those things that go wrong and a lot of customers buy from Toyota because of our reputation.”

Evolving dealer network

Toyota has produced a new retail concept to showcase its professional line-up and deliver a more customer-focused experience. The Toyota Professional Centres will be rolled out in existing dealerships, giving a new focus on commercial vehicles with a dedicated display and maintenance area, complemented by a permanent outdoor branded showroom.

Sales personnel are undergoing dedicated training to acquire specialist expertise to enable them to offer a more consultative approach.

Matthews says: “I think the biggest adaption at the moment is a mindset shift to a far more consultative approach in what we do in market. Almost every fleet we're talking to are saying they’ve got a job to do with regards to emissions.

“I'm a firm believer, personally, that almost every single fleet application in the country has a percentage of vehicles that could be electric in some parts of their application. So, our duty is to help these customers identify that to help them make the transition easier.

“Before we even start talking about vehicles, let's deep dive into your fleet. Let's have a look at what you're using, where, how many vehicles, what mileage they do, where they go, where they stop, etc, so that we can then help you identify where you can make the transition.”

From 2025, standalone Toyota Professional Centres will take the LCV commitment and service a step further, introducing new features including service and product promotions, outdoor display structures and showcasing of accessories and conversions.

Model line-up

The Toyota Professional range starts with the Corolla Commercial, a small hybrid-powered van based on the Corolla Sports Tourer passenger car. It offers 1,326 litres of load space, the ability to carry a 425Kg payload and tow up to 750Kg.

The conversion from Corolla Touring Sports to Commercial includes a rubber load space lining, full bulkhead grille, interior light and 12v power outlet.

The recently updated Proace City comes in medium or long body lengths – with respective load volumes of 3.8 and 4.4 cubic metres and up to a one-tonne payload.

Diesel or electric powertrains are offered. The electric powertrain delivers 136PS and its 55kWh battery provides a range of up to 205 miles.

The 1.5-litre diesel has six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission options, with power outputs of 100PS or 130PS.

For 2024, all Proace City models are equipped with Toyota’s Smart Cargo system. Based on the space-extending feature found in the larger Proace models, this uses a folding outer passenger seat and a hatch in the bulkhead to extend load length by 1.3m so longer items such as ladders and piping can be carried.

The Proace also comes in medium and long body lengths, while a Crew Cab has an extra row of seats, and a Platform Cab allows bespoke and specialist body types.

It is available with an electric powertrain which offers a range of up to 217 miles between charges for the 75kWh battery. A smaller 50kWh battery is also available, with both providing 136PS of power.

Diesel versions with a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre engine are also offered. The Proace has a maximum load volume of 6.6 cubic metres, a 1,400Kg payload and 2,500Kg towing capacity.

The new Proace Max becomes the largest member of the Toyota Professional line-up. With two wheelbase sizes, three lengths and two height options, it’s offered in several configurations to cover a wide range of load-carrying requirements. In its largest form, it has a load volume of 17 cubic metres.

The battery electric Proace Max has a driving range of up to 260 miles and charging to 80% using a 150kW fast-charging system takes around just 55 minutes. A diesel powertrain is also available, with manual or automatic transmission.

The Proace Max offers a wealth of conversion opportunities. Factory-delivered options include platform and chassis cab versions, tippers and a drop-side model; further special adaptations can be carried out by Toyota-certified converters.

The Toyota Professional line-up also includes the new Hilux Hybrid 48V with improved performance and efficiency. Payload and towing capacities remain at 1,040Kg and 3,500Kg respectively.