Toyota Professional grows line-up with heavy-duty Proace Max and Hilux Hybrid 48V

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Toyota is introducing a new Proace Max large van and a mild hybrid version of its Hilux pickup.

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The new arrivals join the updated Proace City and Proace compact and medium-duty vans, which also get extra range in EV guise, as part of the renewed, full and electrified Toyota Professional LCV line-up.

The Proace Max sits at the top of the range and, like its smaller Proace siblings, is built in a joint venture with Stellantis, this time as a reworked version of the Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Vauxhall Movano and Citroën Relay.

The Proace Max is available in four configurations with two wheelbase lengths, three overall lengths and two height options. As with its Stellantis siblings, it delivers up to a 17m cargo capacity, said to be best in class, along with full-height doors, a square opening for the load bay and a low threshold. For the first time on a Toyota van, the doors open to 270 degrees, also maximising kerbside loading space and access.

The powertrain line-up will include a fully electric version. Details haven’t been supplied but Toyota says it will offer a range of up to 260 miles (WLTP standard).

Alongside the panel van, the model range includes chassis, platform and crew cab layouts and the Proace Max platform is available as a one- or three-way tipper and with dropside beds, ensuring its suitability for a wide range of conversions.

The new Proace Max large van and mild hybrid Hilux pickup join the updated Proace City and Proace compact and medium-duty vans

Toyota is also adding a Hybrid 48V model to the Hilux pickup family. This mild-hybrid diesel will offer improved fuel efficiency thanks to the motor assistance and regenerative braking, along with extra driving performance and smoother acceleration.

The Hilux’s towing and payload capacities are carried over, remaining at 3,500kg and 1,025kg respectively.

Finally, the Proace and Proace City models, again developed in partnership with Stellantis, also get updated styling in both van and Proace Verso people carrier forms. These already carry bolder styling to mark out them out from their sister versions and the updated models get a new-look front-end plus full LED lighting and alloy wheels on certain models to further emphasise the Toyota identity,

The interiors have been updated with new steering wheel designs and equipment features, including fully digital displays on some grades and latest-gen multimedia systems with built-in navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Connected services are available on every Proace grade from the start of sales, helping owners and drivers optimise operations.

Toyota has also enhanced the all-electric versions to deliver extra range. The Proace EV now offers up to 217 miles (350km) in total, alongside its carrying capacity of up to 6.6m3 and a 1,400kg payload. The compact Proace City now offers a range of 205 miles, a 31-mile increase on the current generation and said to be best in class, while delivering up to 4.4m3 in volume and 1,000kg in cargo weight, depending on powertrain.

All Toyota Professional vehicles feature the latest Toyota Safety Sense systems while the brand has also enhanced its retail concept with new financing and after sales support.

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Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.