There may be no entirely new models on the Toyota stand at the 2017 CV Show, but there is still plenty of interesting metal to pore over, as the Japanese firm launches two new conversion programmes.
Called Toyota Trade Plus and Toyota Authorised Converter, the former will offer ready-to-run conversions straight from the dealer, while the latter uses aftermarket partners to deliver more bespoke projects for specialist business needs.
Toyota Trade Plus
Toyota Trade Plus has been created to provide ‘popular readymade convervsions’ that are delivered via the regular Toyota dealer network.
The first examples will be tipper conversions for the Hilux pickup (top of the page) and refrigerated Proace panel vans (below), as well as two set-price standard racking kits. An example of each is on display on Toyota CV Show stand.
Amongst a growing number of manufacturers offering such off-the-shelf conversions, Toyota says customers will save time and money because they no longer have to go to a third party to arrange the work.
The whole vehicle – including the conversion – is covered by Toyota’s standard five-year/100,000-mile warranty, too. Which is a bonus that offers more peace of mind.
The racking kits, which have been created by Bri-store, are priced at £995 and £1,495, the tipper conversion is built by TGS Group and costs £3,595, while Coolkit is responsible for the fridge, which costs £5,995.
All prices are plus VAT.
Toyota Trade Plus conversions based on the Proace platform cab are also under consideration, with more details to follow in due course. A Hilux dropside has already been confirmed, but not priced at this stage.
Toyota Authorised Converter Programme
There will still be customers who find the Toyota Trade Plus programme too limited, so for those van and pickup buyers Toyota is now also offering an Authorised Converter programme.
This does use third-party converters, but only those subjected to Toyota’s own ‘rigorous quality audit assessment’ – a multistage process that considers aftersales and customer services as well as build quality. It eventually concludes with a three-year contract for the converter.
So far Toyota has five partners in place, with a network of 20-30 planned in total, delivering good geographical coverage and a selection of products that cater for more specialised vehicle needs.
In this instance, the underlying vehicle will retain the standard Toyota warranty, with the converter providing the warranty coverage for the conversion itself.
Read the full Toyota Proace review on Parkers Vans
