Toyota News and Features – the latest from the UK and overseas

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New Hilux and Highlander heading our way

First details have been released of two new muscular models Toyota will be introducing in the coming months. There is a new Hilux pick-up in the pipeline, featuring a more powerful 2.8-litre engine option and fresh styling and equipment features to set the top-of-the-range Invincible X model apart. Early in 2020, Toyota’s SUV range will grow with the first Highlander model to be sold in the UK. This hybrid-powered, seven-seat model will sit above RAV4 in the line-up. Read more about new Hilux here and new Highlander here.

Corolla the best-buy hybrid

The British-built Toyota Corolla has been judged the “best-buy” among the market’s hybrid cars by What Car? in its Car of the Year run-down of electrified vehicles. It’s given the model a four-star rating, describing its as “a straightforward way to achieve outstanding fuel economy in a sub-£30,000 hatchback.”

Remarking that is doesn’t require compromises such as losing boot space to make room for a larger battery, it adds that it’s also one of the smoothest-riding cars in its class. Where fuel economy’s concerned, the magazine says an “impressive” 60-plus mpg can be achieved “without trying too hard.”

Choose, click and buy

Customers can now specify their new Toyota and make all the necessary arrangements for purchase using a new online service at toyota.co.uk. Working side-by-side with traditional retailers, the system can be accessed from home, work or while on the move. The process covers everything through to vehicle handover, including finance arrangements, for almost the entire model range. The choice extends to all hybrids, the GT86 and GR Supra sports coupes and the Land Cruiser “go-anywhere” SUV. Read more here.

For customers who prefer to get up close to see the car they’re buying and to talk face-to-face with expert sales teams, Toyota centres across England are re-opening following the closure required during the Covid-19 restrictions. Read more here.

Work on the wild side

The grounds of Toyota’s UK headquarters in Surrey have undergone years of landscaping and planting to nurture native wildlife species. Its success in creating habitats to attract animals, birds and insects has been recognised with a Biodiversity Benchmark from the Wildlife Trust. The work done on-site is in tune with Toyota’s global mission to work in harmony with nature. Read more here.

GR Yaris countdown

Preparations are in place for the arrival of the super-hot GR Yaris later this year, with the launch of an online ordering service. This means people unable to visit their local Toyota centre can still place a reservation fee and be among the first to buy the new car. The new service does not affect the status of the orders already received. Read more here.

Hybrids by the million

Toyota sold its first hybrid car – Prius – in 1997. In 2020, it has just celebrated selling its 15 millionth vehicle featuring the ultra-efficient technology, keeping it firmly in the forefront of electrified vehicle innovation. Read more here.

Meet athlete ambassador Alex Dowsett

Multi-medal-winning cyclist Alex Dowsett is a new Toyota athlete ambassador, an elite sportsman who has his sights set on competing at the Tokyo Olympics. As a haemophiliac, he’s also a prominent spokesman and campaigner for people who have the blood condition, leading the charity Little Bleeders. Read more here.

Fuel cell future for trucks

Toyota has been in the forefront of developing zero emission hydrogen fuel cell systems to power heavy duty trucks and has now signed a joint venture agreement with five China-based businesses to form the United Fuel Cell System R&D (Beijing) Co Ltd. Its primary activity will be to develop fuel systems for commercial vehicles. Read more here.

Generating clean power with Toyota fuel cell tech

The hydrogen fuel cell technology featured in the Toyota Mirai has been adapted for a stationary power generator that’s now under test in Japan. The FC generator has already entered service at Toyota’s Honsha plant and is now being assessed at a factory run by the Tokuyama Corporation, using hydrogen produced on-site from the company’s chemicals production process. Read more here.

Images and video resources

Visit the Images section of our media website, media.toyota.co.uk, for a comprehensive collection of current model shots, concepts and news pictures for easy download for editorial use. For film footage, click on the Videos tab to access the library and to view and download material.

Toyota social media channels

You can find much more Toyota content at: –

Official Toyota UK media website

Official Toyota UK blog

Official Toyota UK Facebook page

Official Toyota UK Twitter @ToyotaUK

Official Toyota UK YouTube channel

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