Toyota dealers in the UK will be able to supply business customers with a heavy-duty van for the first time, following expansion of the brand’s LCV line-up.
Toyota GB is now importing the Proace Max, which fills a gap in its Toyota Professional commercial vehicle range that sets the Japanese brand on a path to growth in market share across Europe.
In 2023, Toyota’s European LCV business achieved a new sales record with more than 140,000 units delivered across Europe. The company intends to build on this success with its new and renewed model range, targeting sales of 170,000 units and a market share of 7% in 2025.
In the UK, Toyota Professional sales reached a new record of 19,314 units in 2023, fuelled by 50% year-on-year growth of its Hilux pick-up truck up and 60% growth in sales of the Proace van family.
From next year Toyota dealerships are adding focused display and maintenance areas for vans, complemented by permanent outdoor showrooms for the Toyota Professional brand,
Almost identical to the Stellantis vans on which it is based, Proace Max is available in four configurations with two wheelbase lengths, three overall lengths, and two height options to provide multiple load-carrying possibilities.
A battery electric version offers driving range of up to 260 miles (WLTP), or customers can choose a diesel engined version.
In its largest form, the Proace Max Electric has a best-in-class cargo capacity of 17 cubic metres, which is enough to comfortably hold five Euro pallets.
In addition, the Proace Max platform is suitable for a wide range of conversions, including tipper and drop-side beds, plus optional chassis, platform and crew cab layouts.
A Toyota spokesman said: “With the introduction of the all-new Proace Max, the development of the Toyota Professional line-up of light commercial vehicles has reached a significant milestone.”
He added: “Toyota Professional is about much more than the products, however. It includes a commitment to customer-focused service, with purpose-designed products and services.”
