JCB adds 40 Toyota Corollas to its fleet for sales team

Construction equipment manufacturer JCB has added 40 new Toyota Corolla hybrids to its fleet for use by its sales team.

The company decided to switch to hybrid vehicles to reflect the development of new, more efficient powertrains for its own vehicles.

Its expansion of its range of E-TECH all-electric models in 2020 saw the introduction of a fast-charge mini excavator and Loadall telehandler models.  Like Toyota, JCB is also investing in hydrogen as a fuel of the future, developing the construction industry’s first hydrogen-powered excavator.

JCB chief operating officer Mark Turner said: “JCB is making great strides in developing low emissions technology to power its range of construction equipment and we are delighted to complement this strategy with the introduction of self-charging hybrid cars into our fleet. It’s also very pleasing to be able to support another global business which manufactures on the doorstep of JCB and one which makes such an important contribution to the regional economy.”

Powered by a 1.8-litre hybrid petrol engine, the new fleet of Corollas are specified as Touring Sports estates in Icon Tech trim.

The model, which went on sale in 2019, was recently updated with trim and specification enhancements.

The handover of the first 20 vehicles took place at the company’s Rocester headquarters in Staffordshire.

Stuart Ferma, general manager Toyota and Lexus Fleet, added: “It is extremely gratifying that with JCB already working to address the future challenges within its industry with new technology, it has chosen Corolla hybrid models for its vehicle fleet.  With our shared support of British manufacturing and our commitment to develop hydrogen as a fuel of the future, we share very similar goals.”

JCB is one of the world’s leading businesses in the manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, designing, developing and manufacturing more than 300 different products in 22 plants and employing 11,000 people across four continents.

Picture caption: JCB fleet administration supervisor Gavin Ward receives the cars from Collette Harris Toyota Fleet area sales manager.