Toyota including Q&A with Gareth Matthews

Show launches highlight that Toyota is ready for business

Toyota’s LCV manager Gareth Matthews was understandably pleased by how well his company’s stand had gone down at the CV Show, as he explained to Andrew Walker

CC&V: You took a stand at the recent CV Show. How was this year’s event and do you feel that Toyota benefitted from being there?

While the show did appear quieter, it was definitely of value for us to attend, as we could present the global debut of our new Corolla Commercial van and the UK debut of Proace City EV.

We have attended the CV Show since 2016 when we announced we were ‘Back in Business’ with commercial vehicles and each year we have used the show to highlight a new element of our commercial vehicle strategy. It provides a useful platform for us to engage with our customers about current and future product.

CC&V: You launched a new Corolla Commercial at the Show. Where do you see the new commercial fitting into the market and what are your expectations, volumewise, for this new model ?

Corolla Commercial will hold a unique segment in the market as a full hybrid van. We will announce more details about volume aspirations closer to its 2022 launch, but the show proved very valuable for us in terms of gauging customer feedback. Our plan is to have order books open by the end of this year which will further help us to monitor demand ahead of production starting in the summer.

CC&V: You also launched the electric Proace City at the same time. What will supply be like for this new city electric van as we head into Q4 and 2022?

Our second electric model, the Proace City Electric, will be launched to the UK market before the end of this year. At present we are not aware of any supply issues ahead of its introduction.

CC&V: Talking of electric vans, how has the Proace Electric been selling and what percentage of new Proace sales have been electric as opposed to diesel?

With Proace Electric only going on sale in May this year, it is perhaps difficult to see a trend after only a few months. However, sales are building along with product awareness and we know that this is a growing segment of the van market. Currently, sales are small compared to its diesel equivalent but it is still early days. As the market develops we will be watching carefully the ratio of sales.

CC&V: Your commercial range is growing. Does Toyota have any plans to add any more CVs to its commercial range?

With the launch of Proace and Proace City Electric in 2021 and Corolla Commercial in 2022 we will have plenty to keep us busy as we introduce these models into the UK commercial vehicle market. It is also worth remembering that at the end of 2020 we also introduced a more powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine to our Hilux range, and we are reaping big rewards this year with regard to sales.

Unique Corolla CV set for 2022

One of the highlights of the Toyota stand at the CV Show was the appearance of the new Corolla Commercial van (see main photo above).

Built in Britain at Toyota’s Burnaston plant, it is the first full hybrid electric van in its class. The Corolla Commercial is based on the Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Hybrid model, with the rear seats removed and replaced with a spacious and easily accessible load area. The design of the multilink rear suspension means the space isn’t compromised by intruding components. Performance and load-carrying capacity specifications are yet to be homologated, but Toyota estimates combined cycle (WLTP) fuel economy of 55.3 – 62.7mpg with 102 – 115g/km CO2 emissions. Towing capacity, again a provisional figure subject to homologation, will be 750kg (braked).

Sharing the spotlight with the Corolla Commercial was the new Proace City Electric, the launch of which gives the brand two electric vans. (see photo left).