Will the Toyota Proace (Pro Ace) Medium Duty Cargo Van come to North America?

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Winning accolades overseas, the recently updated Toyota Proace Medium Duty Cargo Van has virtues that could make for a formidable player in this market. Small and medium-sized cargo vans have hit our market hard recently. Currently, the United States has the Nissan NV200, Ford Transit Connect, Ram ProMaster City and Chevrolet City Express to compete with the Toyota Proace.

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The name may need work.

Here are the UK numbers of the current Toyota Proace: “Powered by a flexible, efficient 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, the Proace medium duty van is designed for ease of use. The range provides two vehicle lengths and heights, allowing payloads of up to 1.2 tonnes to be carried. The load space, measuring up to 7m3, is easy to access through side sliding doors and choice of rear doors or tailgate. Drivers also enjoy a comfortable and safe environment, with Bluetooth, driver and passenger airbags and electric windows and door mirrors included in the standard specification.”

DIMENSIONS

  • Overal length (mm) L1 (length #1) – 4,805, L2 (Length #2) – 5,135
  • Overall height (mm) H1 (Height #1) – 1,942, H2 (Height #2) – 2,276
  • Wheelbase L1 (Length #1) – 3,000, L2 (Length #2) – 3,122
  • Interior loadspace length (mm) L1 (Length #1) – 2,254, L2 (Length #2) – 2,584
  • Interior loadspace height (mm) H1 (Height #1) – 1,449
  • H2 (Height #2) – 1,750
  • Interior load-space width – max. (mm) All versions – 1,602
  • Interior loadspace width – between wheel arches (mm) all versions – 1,245
  • Load capacity (m3 = cubed meters)
  • L1H1 – 5.0, L2H1 – 6.0, L2H2 – 7.0

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ENGINES

  • 1.6 diesel Max. power (bhp/Kw @ rpm) 89/66 @ 4,000 – Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 180 @ 1,500
  • 2.0 diesel Max. power (bhp/Kw @ rpm) 126/94 @ 3,500 – Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 320 @ 2,000
  • 2.0 diesel Max. power (bhp/Kw @ rpm) 161/120 @ 3,750 – Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 340 @ 2,000

PERFORMANCE:
Towing capacity (kg) Up to 2,000

Payload (kg) 1,000/1,200

The Toyota Proace comes standard with:

  • Daytime running lights
  • Vehicle Stability Control
  • ABS
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Sure, these (UK) numbers are based on the diesel Toyota Proace, it could be an interesting strategy to start sales in North America with a diesel. It worked for Mercedes-Benz.

Speaking of Mercedes-Benz and diesel vans…

Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed  worldwide.
Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed
worldwide.
Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.