Toyota Readies its Commercial Vehicle Arsenal for European Domination
Ready to stake its claim as a prominent player in Europe's commercial vehicle market, Toyota is giving its model range a much-needed facelift and expansion. The Japanese automaker's goal? To secure a spot among the top six commercial vehicle manufacturers in the region.
Leading the charge is Toyota's Proace family, which is set for an expansion and a fresh look. Meanwhile, the Hilux pick-up gets a mild hybrid drive, with a hydrogen version on the horizon. Here's what you can expect from the Japanese giant:
A New Kid on the Block - The Proace Max
Stepping into the 3.5-ton class, the all-new Proace Max heralds the dawn of a new era for Toyota's commercial customers. The cooperative venture with Stellantis sees the Fiat Ducato, Opel Movano, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, and the Proace sharing similarities in construction.
The Proace Max comes to the fore as a panel van, estate, chassis, tipper, or flatbed, poised with diesel engines that deliver anywhere from 88 kW/120 hp to a powerful 121 kW/161 hp. The electric variant departs from the traditional diesel with a 200 kW/270 hp power output, boasting a range of 420 kilometers and boasting the same load volume as its diesel counterpart. The Proace Max will make its debut in the fall of 2024.
A Leap Forward for Battery-Electric Variants
With the refreshed Proace and Proace City set for a Spring 2024 debut, battery-electric variants see an improvement in their range capabilities. The Proace Electric now extends up to 350 kilometers, thanks to its 75 kWh battery, with a load volume equivalent to combustion engine variants. Payload, however, takes a slight dip, with a reduction of 110 kilograms (Proace) to 220 kilograms (Proace City).
The Hilux pick-up also gets a nudge in the right direction with the introduction of a 48-volt mild hybrid variant, which will coexist with the familiar diesel models, offering improved fuel efficiency.
Fuel Cell Tests underway
In an effort to explore alternative power sources, Toyota engineers have been putting a hydrogen fuel cell version of the platform truck through the paces, boasting a range of around 600 kilometers on 7.8 kilograms of hydrogen gas. However, this technology's practicality is yet to be determined, with one tank occupying valuable cargo space.
Toyota's Commercial Vehicle Expansion Strategy
By pouring resources into diverse automotive technologies and expanding its product offerings, Toyota is poised to make a strong impact on the European commercial vehicle market. With a focus on hydrogen fuel cell technology, electrification, engine development, and market growth, Toyota seeks to become one of the top six commercial vehicle manufacturers in Europe.
This ambitious plan includes embracing innovative partnerships with small and medium enterprises to accelerate the transformation towards a sustainable future, with a particular focus on BEV energy ecosystems, hydrogen ecosystems, and circular economies.
In summary, Toyota's foray into the European commercial vehicle market promises a significant boost to its proficiency in diverse automotive tech and an extended, electrified range for customers. The mission to secure a top 6 position among commercial vehicle manufacturers is well and truly underway.
