Toyota Professional Pushes Forward with Increased Product Power and Leading Customer Service

Toyota Professional delivers a more comprehensive, electrified choice than ever before with a reinvigorated and expanded line-up of commercial vehicles, complemented by a 360° commitment to market-leading customer care.

The Toyota Professional brand was launched in 2019 to bring a specific focus and dedication to Toyota’s LCV presence throughout the customer experience, from seamless purchase through to dependable quality and trusted after-sales care, all dedicated to keeping businesses on the road.

The PROACE and PROACE CITY vans, plus their VERSO people carrier variants, have led the way in terms of battery electric powertrains as part of Toyota’s multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, and the complete Toyota Professional range now includes electrified options on all models. That emphasises Toyota’s commitment to providing all customers with a variety of affordable and practical options to accelerate the pace of CO2 reduction, whether in their private or business lives, and contribute towards zero emission mobility in the future.

In addition to the hard-working PROACE family, the iconic Hilux is an indestructible presence in the Toyota Professional line-up, with its legendary tough looks and Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR). Since its launch in Japan in 1968, the Hilux has becoming one of Toyota’s most recognisable workhorse vehicles, at home around town and in its element on the world’s toughest terrain, as evidenced by its three victories on the gruelling Dakar Rally and consecutive FIA World Rally-Raid Championship titles.

That powerful product portfolio and a commitment to customer care is at the heart of Toyota Professional’s plans to strengthen its position in the LCV sector. In 2022, vehicle sales amounted to 119,000 units and is on track for a new record of over 140,000 units this year. Toyota intends to accelerate that growth and has an ambition to exceed 180,000 sales with a market share of 7% in 2025 to become the top six player in the market.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

An enhanced experience for customers will begin through an all-new retail concept, the Toyota Professional Centre, which expresses a reinvigorated Toyota Professional brand by enhancing expertise and dedication at the dealership, as well as a comprehensive package of customer care solutions.

Starting next year, Toyota Professional Centres in existing dealerships will bring a new focus to commercial vehicles via dedicated display and maintenance space inside, complemented by a permanent branded outdoor showroom. Customers can take advantage of LCV-specific consultants, who develop their market-specific expertise via an extensive and ongoing training programme.

From 2025, standalone Toyota Professional Centres will take that commitment and service a step further by adding new features to the entire customer experience journey including vehicle maintenance and product promotion, eye-catching outdoor display structures hosting a range of vehicles, and examples of accessories and conversions.

An enhanced experience is not only confined to dealerships. Updated Toyota Professional websites, including the convenient “Help Me Choose” feature, make selecting the right vehicle, accessories, as well as Toyota’s competitive finance and insurance services, more straightforward.

From the moment they drive their new vehicle out of a Toyota Professional Centre, customers will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a Toyota manufacturing warranty package on all vehicles, including an eight-year/160,000 km warranty for battery degradation.

Another contribution towards stress-free ownership comes from Roadside Assist. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, it ensures rapid assistance any time of the day or night, 365 days a year to get business moving again, or take the vehicle to the nearest Toyota garage for repairs.

During regular maintenance, Toyota Professional keeps customers on the road by offering a replacement van service, bookable in advance for certainty and available for collection at times to suit the needs of businesses, whether early in the morning, late in the evening or on Saturdays.

To ensure maintenance is completed as fast as possible, and downtime is further reduced, Toyota Professional is working on an Express Service commitment which ensures two technicians work on every commercial vehicle at dedicated LCV workstations. This commitment typically results in the completion of maintenance jobs around twice as quickly.

When a customer eventually chooses to part with their Toyota Professional vehicle, the brand’s track record of retaining high residual values across its LCV line-up completes a value-for-money and rewarding ownership experience.

All of these customer care products and services will be provided by KINTO, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Insurance Services.

PRODUCT POWER WITH A FULL AND ELECTRIC LINE-UP

Toyota Professional’s expanded and renewed line-up features electrified options at every stage of a comprehensive range of hard-working solutions, matching rugged, bold styling with efficient performance and exceptional load carrying.

The Toyota Professional line-up embodies Toyota’s strong reputation for Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR) as well as providing versatile, practical options for businesses of all types.

A bold makeover elevates the versatile PROACE and PROACE CITY platforms, with an all-new front design which creates a striking impression and sets the tone for a contemporary update inside and out, highlighted by a front face with its clean lines. The absence of upper cooling grilles between the front lamps creates a sophisticated, distinctive appearance while the trapezoid-shaped lower grille reflects similar designs across the Toyota range and creates a tough-looking style, accentuated by new headlamps, including full LED options, and alloy wheels.

A fresh new look enhances the cabin too, where the latest equipment is installed within a sturdy, comfortable interior trim. Higher grade models feature new digital instrument clusters and 10-inch touchscreens for the fully connected infotainment system, which includes built-in navigation, while a new leather steering wheel enhances comfort and appearance.

The complete Toyota Professional line-up offers extended protection via the latest Toyota Safety Sense package of active safety and driver assistance systems, which feature Adaptive Cruise Control from 30 km/h, Intelligent Speed Assist with optional overspeed alert and an improved Lane Keep Assist. Parking is made easier via Side Parking Assist with Blind Spot Detection, which alerts the driver to approaching vehicles which may be difficult to see during parallel parking. New safety measures have been implemented in the construction of the PROACE and PROACE CITY as well, including new front side airbags in the front seats, a new bumper design, collapsible steering column and updated structural parts for greater strength.

PROACE

The PROACE medium-duty van and PROACE VERSO people carrier bring a forceful new appearance to their renowned adaptability and efficiency, providing the power, space and efficiency to comfortably handle the job in hand.

Customers have a choice of formats, including a van 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. The PROACE VERSO allows up to nine passengers travel in comfort with grades intended for daily working use, to support the lifestyle of active families, or executive travel.

The PROACE also features a new Crew Cab Premium grade which can carry five passengers in superior comfort as well as a remarkable capacity for bulky loads. Luxurious touches such as Mistral Black premium dash, leather seat trim and arm rest, as well as height-adjustable headrests, enhance the cabin for the driver and front passenger, while a three-seat fixed bench has leather comfort seats and two arm rests. Rear storage space is enhanced by a space under a rear seat for longer items.

The new PROACE boasts a capable electric powertrain which offers all the benefits of zero emission daily driving with a practical range of up to 350 km between charges for the 75 kWh battery, long enough for regular local driving without requiring a daily recharge. A smaller 50 kWh battery is also available, with both providing 136 DIN hp (100 kW) of power and the relaxed ride of an EV.

A proven 2.0-litre diesel engine is also available, up to 180 DIN hp (132 kW) depending on the transmission. Six- and eight-speed options are available in both manual and automatic variants while a 1.5-litre, 120 DIN hp (88 kW) engine and six-speed manual transmission is exclusively available for the PROACE van.

As well as the power to get the job done, the PROACE van also has the capacity to match thanks to its leading carrying capabilities. It can hold a maximum load volume of 6.6 m³, carrying a best-in-class 1,400 kg of payload and has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 kg.

A compact 1.9 m height for the PROACE and PROACE VERSO conveniently allows the vehicles to enter all standard car parks while urban manoeuvring is made simple due to a turning circle of 12.4 m between kerbs in the standard 4.98 m length.

PROACE CITY

With its bold redesign and class-leading attributes, the PROACE CITY compact van and PROACE CITY VERSO passenger carrier offer industrious solutions for business customers and active families.

The adaptable PROACE CITY can be specified as a panel van, a Crew Cab, and as a versatile passenger vehicle, seating a best-in-class seven passengers for daily commuting use and for active families. Despite its compact dimensions, all van variants can comfortably seat three front passengers.

The PROACE CITY boasts an impressive list of best-in-class qualities, including clever load carrying solutions which increase space up to a capacity of 4.4 m³. A 780 kg payload can be carried by the battery electric version, and the petrol or diesel alternatives have a maximum payload of 1,000 kg.

Toyota knows that a van often serves as a mobile office as well as a means of getting to and from jobs. With top-quality connectivity features, impressive active safety systems and a cabin designed for flexibility and ease-of-use, PROACE CITY conveniently doubles as a well-equipped place of work.

As well as having the capacity and equipment for the job, the battery electric PROACE CITY and PROACE CITY VERSO also have the power and range, with zero tailpipe emissions as well as the responsive performance and seamless drive of a true electric vehicle.

The electric powertrain delivers 100 kW (136 DIN hp) performance from the 50 kWh battery and boasts an improved driving range of 330 km (WTLP standard), 50 km higher than the existing model. When more energy is required, a 100 kW DC fast-charging system can recharge the battery up to 80% in around 30 minutes.

The class-leading 1.5-litre diesel has six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic variants achieve up to 130 DIN hp depending on the specification. An efficient 1.2-litre petrol engine (110 DIN hp) is also available alongside a six-speed manual transmission.

PROACE AND HILUX LINE-UPS EXPAND

The hard-working PROACE family is expanded by the all-new PROACE MAX, Toyota’s first large-sized commercial van which achieves accomplished load carrying and class-leading capacity alongside the benefits of all-electric driving, within a purposeful, distinctive design.

A high-performance battery electric powertrain brings an effortless drive and a smooth, comfortable ride. Power of 200 kW (272 DIN hp) combines with a responsive 410 Nm of torque and an impressive driving range of up to 420 km (WTLP standard).

The legendary Toyota Hilux line-also up grows via a new electrified option, the Hilux Hybrid 48V, which brings increased efficiency and enhanced driving performance – on and off road – without compromising the pick-up’s formidable toughness.

The powerful 2.8 litre diesel engine has been strengthened by the addition of a hybrid electric system specifically designed for the unique demands of Toyota’s dual use pick-up, combining more responsive acceleration, improved braking and greater fuel efficiency while offering a smoother ride.

A more effective stop-start system responds quicker and quieter from standstill and, by allowing the engine to remain off for longer, improves fuel efficiency by up to 5%, on top of the other fuel consumption benefits of a hybrid electric powertrain.

For the first time on a Hilux, a Multi-terrain Select system provides even better performance and control by adjusting vehicle stability control settings according to the specific conditions. An Auto mode allows the vehicle to select the most appropriate setting, or the driver can choose one of five pre-set options – Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow or Rock – calibrated to regulate power and wheelspin to enhance traction and manoeuvrability.

EXTENSIVE ACCESSORY AND CUSTOMISATION

The PROACE family boasts a wide range of accessories and customisation possibilities to give customers a solution for all their professional or accessibility requirements.

The hardworking PROACE MAX is also offered in body-on-frame format to allow customers to create bespoke solutions for their business needs. Platform Cab format, with a flat rear deck, and Chassis Cab format, with exposed ladder frame, allow customers to convert the vehicle for specialised usage.

Toyota’s ultimate goal of realising “Mobility for All” is expressed through both the PROACE and PROACE CITY, which can be converted to wheelchair accessible vehicles, allowing wheelchair users to get from A to B in comfort and safety. A lowered floor and foldable rear entry ramp allow easy access to the vehicle and LED illumination supports safe operation at night. Additional features include manual or automatic side step and electric winch.

All Toyota Professional vehicles benefit from extensive accessory list, developed specifically for the needs of business users and focusing on protection inside and out, load carrying, and security devices. Additional storage on the roof is achieved via roof platforms and racks, while inside the vehicle, a range of racks and storage compartments can be installed to bring order to day-to-day use.

The new PROACE, PROACE CITY and PROACE MAX will be available in 2024.

Note: All performance data of the New PROACE, PROACE CITY and PROACE MAX is subject to homologation. Final specifications will be confirmed at the full product launch.