Interior Designers Opt For Upscale Toyota 4×4’s
Top-of-the-range silver and gold Toyota RAV4s have been chosen by a new interior design company to keep its designers and management moving in style – and the vehicles are already reported to be turning heads.
Fifteen of an initial batch of 18 of the new-look RAV4 2.0-litre VX manuals have been delivered to Nice Rooms Ltd, based at Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire. The fleet is projected to expand in line with an ambitious nationwide expansion programme; the RAV4s are supplied on contract hire with a one-year/18,000-mile replacement cycle.
The solus deal with Toyota Fleet followed a painstaking five-month evaluation process carried out by Nice Rooms, which offers a full service for domestic customers ranging from design only through supply of materials, fittings and furnishings to undertaking or supervising an entire project.
The company was looking for a model that reflected its own core values and image, typified by keywords “stylish”, “discerning”, “fun”, “individual” and “lifestyle”. Marketing director Sandie Gordon described the RAV4 as “a key recruitment element” when seeking prospective designers.
“We had a hit list of five vehicles that we were considering,” she said. “Cost had to be competitive and that was absolutely fine, but the elements that made our minds up were the brand image and the service. We found everybody at Toyota Fleet exceptionally professional.” The company was prepared to wait for the arrival of the new RAV4, with Toyota Fleet supplying Corollas in the interim.
The company’s designers drive silver versions of the five-door vehicles, with management cars distinguished by their gold paintwork. Subtle signwriting on the wheelcover and small idents on the sides highlight the company name. The VX versions of the RAV4 chosen by Nice Rooms include air-conditioning, leather seat trim, CD autochanger, electric sunroof and rear windows.
“I’ve just qualified in interior design from university and I’ve landed my dream job and dream vehicle,” said Nice Rooms designer Katrina Whitaker, who collected her car after completing her company training course. “The RAV4 is so easy to drive and has the most amazing special touches. As a designer I really appreciate great style and the RAV4 looks brilliant inside and out.”
Initially Katrina and the other designers are working in the Derbyshire and North Staffordshire area. Following the vehicles’ first week on the road, Sandie Gordon described the feedback from drivers and customers alike as unbelievable. “When we ask people where they heard about us, they’re already saying: ‘We’ve seen your vehicles’.”
“We’re absolutely delighted,” said Purchasing Director Arthur Hastilow. “We spent many months considering the right vehicle for our interior designers. We wanted style, quality and reliability and the new RAV4 has it all. Toyota Fleet has helped and supported us so much and we are confident that the vehicles project exactly the right mage for our company.”
Further orders have already been placed to coincide with Nice Rooms’ far-reaching development plans.
ENDS
