Toyota Professional pushes LCV: Into business with a large van and electricity

With the introduction of the Proace Max, the Japanese automaker Toyota aims to capitalize on the commercial vehicle trend and is evolving into a full-range supplier in the LCV sector. For the first time, the company is entering the large van category in Europe with this model – thus becoming represented in all key LCV market segments, in line with the range of its cooperation partner Stellantis and its brands Opel, Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat. In addition to the Proace Max, which is technically identical to the Fiat Ducato & Co, Toyota also offers the updated mid-sized van Proace, the compact van Proace City, as well as their respective passenger car variants Verso, all featuring a striking new family design.

Additionally, the Hilux pickup is getting a 48V mild-hybrid system for the first time. This system is designed to not only enhance efficiency but also to contribute to smoother and more refined driving characteristics with reduced noise and vibrations. Overall, Toyota covers a broad spectrum and sets its own accents with the pickup, especially as a fuel cell-powered variant Hilux H2 and a BEV version have been announced.

The range reflects Stellantis products

All van models are available with battery-electric drive options, similar to Stellantis. The selection aligns with the Japanese company's so-called Multi-Path Strategy, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions through various technological solutions while offering affordability, functionality, and flexibility. To ease daily commercial use, "Connected Services," which come standard with all models, are included.

With the mandatory MyToyota smartphone app, customers and fleet managers can retrieve current information on vehicle status and control functions such as door locking and unlocking remotely. For the battery-electric versions, there are additional features that help efficiently plan charging sessions or find affordable public charging stations.
 

Not only the product counts, but above all the service

Being well aware that in the commercial vehicle business not only good vehicles but also, and more importantly, service counts, a comprehensive after-sales service is to be offered. The specially developed products and services range from specialized sales personnel and technicians to financial, insurance, and warranty products, as well as a variety of original accessories and conversion options.

The brand has set further growth targets in Europe on these pillars. In 2023, Toyota's European LCV business reached a new sales record with more than 140,000 units delivered; the company aims to build on this success and seeks to achieve sales of more than 180,000 vehicles and a market share of more than seven percent by 2025. Contributing to this will be a manufacturer warranty of three years or 100,000 kilometers.

Additionally, an eight-year/160,000 km warranty is granted for the high-voltage battery of fully electric models (with a residual capacity of at least 70%). After the new vehicle warranty expires, the Toyota Relax option offers the possibility to extend the warranty for any Toyota with scheduled maintenance at a Toyota authorized workshop, depending on the inspection interval specified for the vehicle. This applies up to a vehicle age of fifteen years or a mileage of 250,000 kilometers.