Toyota is to launch a large van in Europe that will include a fully electric version and will complete its LCV line-up.
It’s planned to launch mid-2024 and marks the brand’s first foray into the large-size commercial vehicle segment.
Expected to be based on the Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay and Vauxhall Movano, the as-yet-unnamed van will be produced at the Stellantis plants in Gliwice, Poland and Atessa, Italy, and will include fully electric technology from Stellantis
It’s the latest vehicle under Toyota’s cooperation with Stellantis, which saw it launch the midsize Proace in 2012 alongside its Peugeot Expert and Citroën Dispatch siblings. And in 2019, the agreement led to the launch of the Proace City compact van, built on the same platform as the Peugeot Partner, Vauxhall Combo and Citroën Berlingo.
Toyota said the latest announcement would enable it to complete a full LCV line-up in Europe, while allowing both companies to benefit from development and production cost optimisation.
Speaking on the new addition, Matt Harrison, president and CEO at Toyota Motor Europe, commented: “It represents an important addition and completes our light commercial line-up for Toyota’s European customers. The new LCV will represent a key contribution to Toyota’s growth targets for its overall LCV line-up, alongside the Hilux pick-up, Proace and Proace City, enabling Toyota to provide a mobility solution in all segments of the LCV market.”
Stellantis added that the latest announcement would strengthen its light commercial vehicle scale in Europe in line with its Dare Forward 2030 objectives.
“Operational excellence is by definition recognized in this expanded deal,” said Carlos Tavares, Stellantis CEO. “With this third successful engagement, Stellantis is further demonstrating its expertise in the commercial vehicle segment and in developing battery electric technology built to support a full range of needs.
“This agreement strengthens our leadership in the EU30 for LCVs and low-emission vehicles and moves us a step closer to realizing our Dare Forward 2030 goal of becoming the undisputed global light commercial vehicle leader, in terms of technology, manufacturing, market share and profitability.”
