Toyota Vans
New Toyota Vans
Used Toyota Vans

At the end of the first quarter of 2008, Toyota took the worldwide sales lead from General Motors Corporation, after a surge in business in China and Europe.

By March 31st this year, Toyota sold 8.9 million vehicles around the world, which was a 4.5 per cent increase compared with the previous quarter?.

Toyota's president Katsuaki Watanabe commented on the results, in light of the global slowdown in lending markets.

He said: "Toyota considers this headwind as a valuable opportunity to turn it into a more flexible and stronger company."

Partly due to rocketing fuel prices all over the globe, many other firms have struggled in the current market.

Mr Watanabe added: "We were able to take advantage of the teamwork among marketing, production and development."

The Japanese manufacturer has a firm grounding in the motoring industry and has been in operation since 1937.

Toyota’s entry to the light commercial vehicle market was an early one, with the first G1 truck hitting the market in August 1935 when Toyota was enlisted to help Japan's Second World War, by manufacturing simple trucks.

Launched in 1984, minivans are one of Toyota’s best-selling models, offered with a four-speed automatic transmission.

The popularity of these vehicles has endured, in particular for the Toyota Sienna, which in 2007 received the AAA and Parents magazine award for understanding what families need and creating a vehicle that meets those requirements.

AAA says of the Sienna: "Load the Sienna with eight passengers and there's still room for groceries, baby gear, and lots more.

"The second-row seats slide forward for quick access to the back row, and three-row, side-curtain airbags are standard."

Its success isn't surprising, as the Sienna has an ultra-low emission rating, a five-speed automatic overdrive and a cargo volume of 148.9 cubic feet.

Another van manufactured by Toyota is the Hiace, which features two engine options, the same number of wheelbases and rear door configurations.

Starting at a recommended retail price of £13,797, the panel van has a maximum payload of 1,060 kilograms, a minimum turning radius of 5.5 metres and is 2,000 millimetres high.

One of the staples of Toyota's van range, the Hiace has proved popular with consumer and businesses alike.

Yahoo! Cars said of it in a review: “In its latest form, the Hiace looks up-to-date and fresh engine technology means its sound under the bonnet and is available in a variety of different guises."

The Toyota Hilux has been another success story for the manufacturer. Derived from the original 1948 Land Rover the van is intended for on and off-road use.

It is the longest-running four-by-four pick-up vehicle to be sold in the UK and is now in its sixth generation.

Featuring a 3.0-litre D-4D engine, the Hilux boasts 15-inch steel wheels and a maximum payload of 1,095 kilograms.

Toyota says of the van: "Push it to the limit and it'll respond will enthusiasm. Take it to the extreme and it'll just want more.

"With ability this relentless, and the choice of three rough body styles, the Hilux has nothing to hold it back."

Toyota is keen to keep building on the success of its current range and was present at this year's Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

It displayed a range of Hilux models, including two "top of the range" Hilux Invincibles, four Hiace models and two Dynas, as well as a concept Hilux Halo model and the infamous Polar Hilux, which was raced against a dog-led sledge team across the Canadian Antarctic in TV show Top Gear.

The Toyota Dyna is a practical van, designed strictly for business use with a tow area for loading at its rear.

A flatbed truck, the Dyna comes with a 3.0-litre engine, a 12-millimetre non-slip loading bed and is complete with ABS.

Toyota says that the cab vehicle features an "excellent payload", plenty of room on the interior and a "highly-efficient" diesel engine. In short, the Dyna, like all vans Toyota manufactures, has been designed with a specific consumer in mind.