Toyota Professional has reached a significant milestone with the introduction of the Proace Max, the brand’s first entry into Europe’s heavy-duty van market. The van’s introduction completes Toyotra’s lineup of light commercial vehicles, giving it a presence across all major segments.
The Proace Max joins the updated Proace medium van and the compact Proace City, all adopting a unified design. The Hilux pickup also gets a performance boost with the new Hilux Hybrid 48V mild hybrid.
Beyond its expanded product offerings, Toyota is building on its customer-centric service with its “Toyota Professional Promise,” which includes an industry-leading warranty of three years or 60,000 miles, with the option to extend it up to 10 years or 100,000 miles. Toyota also provides 24/7 roadside assistance and a loan vehicle service for customers whose vehicles are out of commission. Toyota aims to minimise downtime further by introducing an “Express Service” in 2025, with two technicians dedicated to LCV maintenance to speed up routine tasks.
To bolster its commitment to LCVs, Toyota has introduced a new retail experience. Toyota Professional Centres will be launched by 2025 as dedicated spaces offering both product expertise and customer service for light commercial vehicles. These centres will feature vehicle display structures, promotions, and areas dedicated to accessories and conversions, further strengthening Toyota’s presence in the commercial vehicle sector.
New Proace Max
The Proace Max becomes the largest vehicle in the Toyota range, offering load capacities beyond a tonne with options for multiple configurations; customers can choose between two wheelbase sizes, three lengths, and two heights. The Proace Max provides up to 17m³ of cargo volume, with easy access through full-height rear doors and a low loading threshold.
Available with electric power or a diesel engine, the Proace Max is designed for customisation, with platform and chassis cab variants, tippers, and drop-side models. Certified converters will also offer specialised adaptations to meet industry-specific requirements.
Updated Proace and Proace City
The Proace and Proace City vans have been restyled to match the Proace Max. The medium-sized Proace offers an extended electric driving range of up to 213 miles, with cargo volumes of up to 6.6m³ and payloads of up to 1,400kg.
The smaller Proace City now offers a range of up to 213 miles in its electric version, with cargo volumes reaching 4.4m³ and a maximum payload of 1,000kg.
Diesel variants are also available for both models.
Electrified Hilux Hybrid 48V
Toyota’s respected pickup will soon gain a 48V hybrid system, enhancing throttle response and providing smoother acceleration while also improving economy and emissions. The new hybrid technology will not compromise the Hilux’s robust capabilities, with payload and towing capacities remaining at 1,040kg and 3,500kg, respectively.
Production of the Hilux Hybrid 48V will begin in late 2024 at Toyota’s factory in Durban, South Africa, with European availability soon after.
