Toyota Provides Hilux to Automotive Training Charity StarterMotor
Automotive charity StarterMotor has taken delivery of a Toyota Hilux pick-up on long-term loan from Toyota (GB) to help with its training of young people in the care and maintenance of classic cars.
The loan, highlights the Toyota Professional LCV programme to give Britain’s van and pick-up owners the products and services they need to keep their business on the move.
Founded in 2016 and based at the Bicester Heritage historic motoring centre in Oxfordshire, StarterMotor provides opportunities for young people to learn about driving, maintaining and appreciating classic vehicles. Its work has expanded to include supporting activities at Silverstone and Brooklands, encouraging apprentices to take up careers in the historic vehicle business.
StarterMotor is the only charity in the sector to focus on introducing a new generation to careers in historic motoring. It also provides guidance to specialists and support to car clubs. It has partnerships with educational facilities, colleges and apprenticeship schemes and provides vehicles and other resources for students to learn from and to use in competitive events and shows. More information about the charity is available here.
David Withers, Chief Executive of StarterMotor, said: “Toyota’s loan of the Hilux is a fantastic benefit. We spend many weekends at events and shows demonstrating the joys of being a part of the historic vehicle world, as well as shipping our ’learning’ cars from college to college. Now we have the Hilux, we will no longer have to beg, steal or borrow tow cars. Toyota’s support is a huge encouragement and we’re looking forward to many adventures together in the years to come.”
Stuart Ferma, General Manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet said: “We saw great benefit in providing a Hilux – one of our key Toyota Professional LCV models – to a charity whose ambition is to help maintain the future of the classic car market. With heritage models on our own Toyota press fleet, we hope this will help secure skills within this industry so we can all enjoy seeing classic cars at shows around the country in the future.”
The new Hilux has a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and uprated 2.8-litre diesel engine which means it has all the muscle needed for towing and work duties. Its off-road performance has been taken up a level, too, with the addition of a new electronic limited-slip differential. A high-quality cabin and new safety and comfort features make it suitable for both work and leisure driving. More information about the Toyota Hilux range is available here.
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