4 Toyota Proace 2016

Toyota is establishing a network of 25 LCV Specialist Business Centres to support sales of its new Hilux pick-up and Proace van.

The Japanese brand already has a network of 80 business centres. However, a spokesman for Toyota said 25 dealers raised their hand in areas with strong LCV demand to become SBC dealers by agreeing to have specialist staff equipped to provide dedicated sales and aftersales services for Toyota’s commercial vehicle line-up. Toyota has 181 dealers in the UK in total.

SBC centres will have the new vehicles on display and available for test drives, and the centres will be able to discuss and organise any requirements for specific accessories or vehicle conversions.

Gareth Matthews, Toyota GB LCV manager, said: “The new Specialist Business Centres are a key element in the complete renewal of our LCV operations in the UK.

“It’s critical that we reflect the quality our our new products and appeal with first-class, specialist customer service.”

Matthews said the brand is investing in a “significant” recruitment and training programme to develop its network for LCV specialist skills in aftersales, conversions and legislation.

First deliveries of the new, eighth generation Hilux are just being made to UK customers. Later this year the new Proace van range will be introduced, including a Compact model variant. The Proace range  includes three body sizes, two wheelbase lengths and a choice of panel, crew cab, passenger and platform cab configurations.