Low Cost Vans

Ok, so now I have nearly heard everything in terms of what in-car technology has in store for us. I just read that Toyota and Panasonic have co-operated on a cloud-based in-car system to monitor and operate home appliances. Why would you ever need to programme your washing machine to run from the inside of your car? Can’t some things wait until we get home or are we a nation of overly busy/mobile people who need to have the ability to control every aspect of our lives via a handy dandy gadget? The big name manufacturers say that the new cloud-based telematics service will make life easier and less stressful by letting people keep tabs on and operate their home appliances from the wheel of their car. Again, I say, why? It will make use of the existing cloud-based Toyota Smart Center, which already links people, cars and homes around the world, and the Panasonic home appliance control application. Both companies agreed a year ago to co-develop services for next-generation telematics se...

Since its debut last spring, what’s the word on Toyota’s Proace van? Is it a formidable van that will make you forget about its predecessor, the Hiace? Although the Proace van is essentially a rebadged Peugeot Expert, which is also badged as the Citroen Dispatch and Fiat Scudo, it does offer a rather smooth quiet ride while benefiting from Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which helps prevent sideway skids. Did Toyota provide enough in this light van to put in on top of the must buy list of businesses looking to add to their fleet? I found two slightly different opinions on this van when reading its reviews. While Business Vans website found it a quiet competent van, another reviewer in Scotland found it to be lacking in more than a few key areas. In a recent article in the Scotsman online , writer Alan Anderson gives his review of the Toyota Proace. Click here to see what he had to say. Alternately, to compare, the review written by Peter Witherington from Business Vans , can be r...

Toyota has proudly announced their title win of Car and Van Manufacturer of the Year in the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership awards. Thanks to being one of the main leaders in reducing the environmental impact of everyday motoring, Graham Smith OBE, Managing Director Toyota Motor Europe London Office, was named Outstanding Individual in Promoting Low Carbon Transport. The awards ceremony in London on 29 January 2013, also presented Coco-Cola Enterprises with Low Carbon Vehicle Operator of the Year and to coincide with its 10-year anniversary, the LowCVP announced that Ford Motor Company Ltd and Transport for London (TfL) were awarded with special anniversary accolades for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Low Carbon Transport over the last 10 years. Announcing the awards, Andy Eastlake, LowCVP Managing Director, said: “In a year of outstanding growth in UK car sales, Toyota, the name synonymous with hybrids, has introduced the technology across the widest range of vehicles on the market. Thirt...

Toyota has recently posted a press release introducing new systems addressing common low and high speed collision risks. At its annual Safety Seminar in Japan this week the company has revealed details of new technology to help prevent collisions – both familiar low-speed parking accidents and high-speed rear-end shunts. In the post Toyota says, safer vehicles and the elimination of road accident injuries and deaths are central to Toyota’s future transport strategy. It also has announced the opening of a new proving ground for testing Integrated Transport Systems (ITS) that use radio communications between vehicles, road infrastructure and pedestrians to improve safety. Here are the details from the press release dated November 19, 2012: KEYPOINTS          Toyota produces new systems to help reduce common parking-speed collisions  and high-speed rear-end shunts          Technology soon to be featured in Toyota production vehicles          Opening of new proving ground to test and...

Just a quick post to inform you about the arrival of the all new RAV4. Toyota announced that they will unveil the new RAV4 at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, prior to the launch of the car in the UK in early 2013. I am excited about this, as I am quite fond of RAV4's myself. Take note that a press conference will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 5.00pm GMT (9.00am PST) at the Toyota stand in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Centre. To keep us well informed and to include a wider audience, Toyota's unveiling will be broadcast live via Livestream at: http://new.livestream.com/toyota . In addition to the press conference, a live interview with Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay will be broadcast live on Livestream from 7.30pm-8.00pm GMT (11:30 am to 12 pm PST) on Wednesday, Nov. 28. For further information on the all new RAV4, please visit Toyota's website here .

In a press release today, Toyota has proudly announced that the West Midlands Fire Service is putting the Toyota Hilux Invincible to the test as part of a review of its fleet of Brigade Response Vehicles. The details provided by Toyota are as follows: The fire service, which provides a fire and rescue response to a population of more than 2.7 million across an area of 350 square miles, has a compelling need for reliable, robust and excellent off-road vehicles. It has chosen the Toyota Hilux Invincible to meet these needs after conducting a thorough evaluation of the most suitable vehicles best equipped to the rigorous demands of the fire and rescue service and compliant with BSEN1846 standards. The initial pilot will include three Toyota Hilux Invincibles, with the potential for further vehicles being added to the fleet dependent on the successful outcome of the trial – all will be deployed around the region as rapid response vehicles. Chris Beebee, Fleet Manager at West Midlands Fire ...

Toyota just released details on their New Toyota ProAce, a medium-duty van for the European market. The new ProAce van will expand Toyota’s presence in European LCV markets, a medium-sized van that will feature bespoke Toyota design details and branding. ProAce can also be specified as a panel van, glass van or crew cab, so meeting a wide range of business transport needs. It will be available in two lengths and heights, giving load capacities of 5m 3 , 6m 3 , or 7m 3 , according to the configuration chosen. Payloads up to 1,200kg can be carried and ProAce will be able to tow up to two tonnes. To achieve the best usability and capability, two sliding side doors can be specified, and customers can choose between a top-hinged tailgate and dual side-hinged rear doors that open to 270 degrees. The new Toyota ProAce will be available with a range of efficient, Euro 5-compliant diesel engines. The 89bhp 1.6-litre engine produces 180Nm of torque and is matched to a five-speed manual transmiss...