THE ALL-NEW TOYOTA PROACE MAX DELIVERS GREAT CHOICE AND VERSATILITY

• PROACE MAX marks Toyota’s first entry into the European heavy duty van market
• Introduction completes a comprehensive line-up of Toyota Professional light commercial vehicles
• Battery electric powertrain option with driving range of up 420 km (WLTP cycle)
• Turbodiesel powertrains also available with manual or automatic transmission, spanning a power range of 120 DIN hp to 180 DIN hp
• Range offers six different configurations of height and length to provide comprehensive storage capacity, load carrying and towing capability
• Extensive range of vehicle conversion possibilities, including factory-delivered crew cab, tipper and dropside versions; platform cab and chassis cab also available
• Modern PROACE family styling and contemporary equipment specifications
• New model introduction from September 2024

The all-new Toyota PROACE MAX combines powerful load carrying and class-leading capacity with efficient performance and a powerful, robust design.

As Toyota’s first heavy duty van (HDV) in Europe, it joins the updated PROACE, PROACE CITY and Hilux to complete a comprehensive Toyota Professional portfolio of light commercial vehicles.

In common with all other models in the PROACE family – the PROACE medium-duty van, compact PROACE CITY and the VERSO people carrier models – PROACE Max is available with a battery electric powertrain that brings responsive performance, ride comfort and high-capacity haulage in a variety of configurations suitable for any task, without sacrificing practicality or reliability.

The electrification of its light commercial range emphasises Toyota’s multi-path technology strategy towards carbon neutrality. Toyota believes that all customers, including those purchasing vehicles for commercial use, should have access to a variety of affordable and practical options to accelerate the pace of CO2 reduction today and contribute to a transition to zero emission mobility in the future.

In addition to its load-carrying and performance qualities, PROACE MAX presents a striking exterior design, focused on a new frontal treatment that creates a new PROACE family identity. This includes a stylish upper element in the van’s body colour which extends around the matt black grille to flow into the colour-matched front bumper.  The purposeful look is emphasised by the full LED headlights; the front fog lights have a cornering function for enhanced visibility. The wheel specifications include new 16-inch alloys for High grade models.

The multimedia offering includes a new 10-inch touchscreen and seven-inch colour TFT instrument display, standard on the High grade electric versions and available as an option on high grade diesels (full details of the infotainment and connectivity features are provided in the multimedia section below).

To ensure that the widest possible range of customers is catered for, PROACE Max offers conversion options, both factory-delivered and bespoke adaptations by Toyota-authorised specialists. Similarly, a wide range of accessories are available to suit different user and business needs.

VERSATILITY AND EXCEPTIONAL LOADING CAPACITY

The all-new PROACE MAX line-up covers a wide range of dimensions, giving customers a breadth of choice when it comes to selecting the size of vehicle that best suits their needs, together with numerous conversion possibilities.

In full van format there are six different sizes to choose from, based on two wheelbase options (3,450 mm and 4,035 mm), three lengths (5,413 mm, 5,998 mm and 6,363 mm) and three heights (2,254 mm, 2,524 mm and 2,764 mm. These combinations provide cargo area volume from 10 m3 to 17 m3, with space enough to comfortably carry up to five Euro pallets.

To put the load capacity into context, the L4 H3 PROACE MAX offers three times the load volume as the largest PROACE medium-duty van.

The panel vans are just one element in the PROACE MAX story: it is also available in factory-built one or three-way tipper and dropside configurations and as a Crew Cab with a second row of four seats, taking seating capacity up to seven (see below for further details on conversion options).

Gross vehicle weight is from 3,300 kg to 3,500 kg for the diesel models and 3,500 kg to 4,250 kg for the battery electric variants, depending on the vehicle configuration. The battery electric PROACE MAX matches the best in its class with up to 1,500 kg payload capacity and 2,400 kg towing capability. With diesel power, the maximum payload is up to 1,500 kg and the towing capacity up to 3,000 kg, depending on the combination of vehicle length and height.

POWER AND EFFICIENCY WITH NEW BATTERY ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN

A high-performance battery electric powertrain provides the PROACE MAX with the power, comfort and cost efficiency of electric driving. The system produces 200 kW (270 DIN hp) of power and 410 Nm of torque, giving the vehicle the muscle to take the toughest jobs in its stride.

With a driving range of up to 420 km (WLTP standard), the PROACE MAX is comfortably able to cover typical daily duties. The driver can adjust performance with three drive modes to suit their requirements, using a button next to the shift selector on the console:

• ECO mode optimises the driving range, limiting power output to 120 kW (163 DIN hp).
• NORMAL mode provides a good balance between power and efficiency, restricting output to 160 kW (218 DIN hp).
• POWER mode puts the emphasis on out-and-out performance, enabling the system to deliver its full 200 kW (270 DIN hp) potential.

Further benefits can be gained from the regenerative braking system. This captures kinetic energy generated during deceleration and braking and feeds it back as electric power to charge the battery.

The driver can select their preferred level of regenerative braking using paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. There are four levels to choose from, giving different degrees of deceleration when the driver lifts off the accelerator pedal. The higher the level, the faster the vehicle will slow down and the greater the level of energy that will be recovered.

The 110 kWh lithium-ion battery can be recharged to 80% in as little as 55 minutes when using a 150 kW fast-charging system, helping ensure vehicle down-time is minimised. The vehicle has an 11 kW AC onboard charger to support business and home charging overnight or when parked up for longer periods; a 22 kW AC charger will be introduced in 2025.

DIESEL POWERTRAIN OPTIONS

Three diesel powertrains are also available. The entry-level unit is a 2.2-litre with six-speed manual transmission, offering 120 DIN hp (88 kW) and 320 Nm – performance suitable for large vehicle fleets.

The mid-power engine is a 140 DIN hp (103 kW) version of the 2.2 unit, with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, giving 350 Nm or 380 Nm respectively.

The high-power diesel, also with manual or auto transmission, delivers 180 DIN hp (132 kW) and is well-suited for heavy-duty conversions.

CO2 emissions are from 198 g/km, equalling best-in-class performance. All PROACE MAX models have front-wheel drive, in common with most other models in the large van market.

CONVERSIONS AND CUSTOMISATION

Around 90% of HDVs sold in Europe have some form of customisation or make use of accessories. This can range from simple corporate liveries, internal linings and refrigeration to full body conversions to suit specific business needs. Toyota is addressing this demand by offering comprehensive conversion options and an extensive range of authentic, warrantied accessories.

Body types

In addition to the regular panel van and crew cab versions, the factory can supply incomplete vehicles which the customer can have modified to their specific requirements. These are a chassis cab and platform cab, both available in standard (5,943 mm) and extended (6,308 mm) length.

The PROACE MAX is the first PROACE model to be made available in chassis cab form, creating the potential for a wide range of different bodies and conversions. The platform cab has no bulkhead, so is appropriate for minibus or motorhome conversions.

The factory also produces the dropside and tipper conversions. These and the crew cab can be delivered with electric or diesel powertrains. Furthermore, all factory conversions benefit from the same manufacturer warranty protection as the PROACE MAX panel vans.

Conversions and customisation

A conversion framework is being rolled out so that customers will get the vehicle that is perfectly matched to their business requirements with conversion and customisation undertaken by authorised local converters. The authorisation process focuses on verifying and improving the quality standards applied for the conversion and is in line with Toyota standards.

ACCESSORIES

From the start of sales, a wide range of accessories are available to enhance load carrying, security, protection for the load space and practicality.

The load capacity can be increased with a roof platform and rear ladder, while the interior can be fitted out with range of racking and shelving systems. With the benefit of a high roof option, the space can be transformed into a mobile workshop, with power supply options.

Wood and polypropylene (up to 50% lighter than wood) linings can be specified and attachment rails and cargo straps can be added to keep items secure. There’s also a selection of enhanced security locks to choose from, together with tow hitch options for customers needing to pull trailers.

For the electric versions, cables, cable bags and wallbox chargers are available.

COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY AND DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS

An extended range of Toyota Safety Technologies as standard provides peace of mind, protecting the vehicle and its occupants.

Safer and less stressful driving is supported by a number of new features. The Moving Off Information System (MIOS) and Blind Spot Information (BSIS), available on the BEV models with 4,250 kg GVW, help make the driver aware of any potential hazards in the blind spot area on the passenger side of the vehicle. These use a dedicated sensor and camera to monitor the area and if, for example, a pedestrian or cyclist or motorbike rider is detected, an alert lights up on the dashboard and a warning triangle sign appears in the door mirrors.

The driver gains further support from Crosswind Assist, which helps keep the vehicle stable when driving through strong crosswinds. It provides gentle, course-correcting braking to keep the PROACE MAX from drifting out of its lane. Should an accident happen, Event Data Recording collects and stores information about the vehicle’s operation and status before, during and after an impact.

A Traffic Jam Assist is due to be introduced, an extension of the adaptive cruise control which will make driving easier and safer in heavy traffic by detecting the vehicle ahead and managing the van’s lane-centring. It will also bring the PROACE Max to a stop if necessary, then accelerate back to its pre-set speed once the traffic flow is moving again.

Parking and manoeuvring the vehicle is made easier with the availability of rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and 360-warning provide by an array of 14 sensors – 16 on the L4 model. A digital, centre-mounted rear-view mirror is also available.

MULTIMEDIA AND INSTRUMENTATION

A multimedia system with a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen is provided on the PROACE MAX BEVs and is available as an option on diesel versions. The package includes an embedded SIM card to access cloud-based navigation with 3D-mapping and the benefit of up-to-moment community feedback-based traffic information.  Other features include voice recognition that responds to natural spoken commands, Bluetooth and DAB radio reception. The driver’s instrumentation is a seven-inch colour digital display

The standard provision on the diesel-powered models is a five-inch colour display with a monochrome digital instrument cluster.

Easy, wireless smartphone integration is provided, via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

EUROPEAN PRODUCTION

PROACE MAX marks a deeper collaboration between Toyota Motor Europe and Stellantis. The relationship began in 2012 and gives both companies the opportunity to optimise development and production costs. The PROACE MAX battery electric vans are built at the Stellantis plant in Gliwice, Poland, and the diesels and other BEV versions in Atessa, Italy.

PRODUCT LAUNCH PROGRAMME

The PROACE MAX will have a staggered roll-out across European markets, with first customer deliveries expected from September 2024.

The panel vans will be released first, followed by chassis cab and platform cab models from September and dropside conversion from October. November will see the first panel van crew cab, with the tipper arriving the following month. Right-hand versions of the BEV panel vans will be available from September.