The next best thing to a new Toyota
April 1st 2006

With its Toyota System II, Impact Toyota can provide a cost effective, reliable alternative to cheap imports from the Far East in the form of warranted pre-owned trucks

A new forklift is a significant investment for any company. With efficiency and cost-control crucial in today's competitive logistics market, uptime, reliability and performance are top of the list when choosing a truck. However, many operators find themselves in a position where finances or operational requirements, such as low usage, do not justify the purchase or rental of brand new equipment.

With 'low-cost' far-eastern imports advertised on the internet, there can be a temptation to settle for what seems to be a 'cheap' solution - inevitably a step into the unknown in terms of reliability. With its Toyota System II concept, Impact Toyota can provide a cost-effective, proven alternative: a warranted 'pre-owned truck' on contract hire or for purchase.

Comprehensive service

Impact Toyota operates from six branches around the east and north of the UK, with its Toyota System II facility at Brunel Road in Corby. In addition to selling the complete range of new Toyota forklifts, the centre is one of the few facilities to offer refurbished pre-owned trucks. Impact Toyota believes it offers the most comprehensive service and choice to its customers, whether they require a brand new truck or a pre-owned solution.

"What Toyota System II provides is total flexibility. We tailor the truck and the price to the needs of the customer," explains Jarrod Tomblin, group asset manager for Impact Toyota. "Customers would have a new truck of the best quality. But some cannot always justify the investment in a new piece of equipment they may be operating for just a few hours a week. Toyota System II offers an excellent alternative. We select the very best from our rental fleet with the best age profile, specification and low hours tailored to customers' specific needs, then refurbish them to go back into our rental fleet on a contract hire basis or to sell direct to customers."

Toyota System II gives customers the choice of a Bronze or Silver refurbishment package, each priced at a different level. The Bronze package includes a thorough inspection, a complete service and a repaint.

The truck is supplied with full documentation to comply with Loler/Puwer regulations and is popular with retail customers making an outright purchase. The Silver package is more comprehensive than the Bronze and includes newly fitted forks and chains, additional mechanical/electrical inspections and the refurbishment of ancillary components as required. This package is also available for retail but is predominantly built to be presented back into Impact Toyota's own hire fleet. Both offer excellent value for money.

"Whichever service the customer chooses, standards are extremely high. We carry out stringent checks on all trucks prior to delivery to the customer and include a warranty, depending on the customer's need," says Jarrod.

The range of models available from stock is another major benefit for customers. The Corby centre holds a selection of pre-owned trucks to meet all needs. Currently the extensive prepared stock comprises LPG, electric and diesel models to suit all applications. Customers are actively encouraged to visit the centre to see the equipment in action. Trucks are also available at Impact Toyota's five other branches. The aim is to make it as easy as possible for customers to choose a truck that meets their specific requirements.

First-class refurbishment

Jarrod continues: "Buying a warranted used truck makes sense. If you start off with excellent quality, for which Toyota is renowned, the truck will obviously have a longer service life. After this, you can be assured of a first-class refurbishment - not just a paint job. Our engineers are all Toyota trained and genuine Toyota parts are used.

"With cheap trucks advertised on the Internet the initial capital cost may look low but it is the whole life cost and profile that really counts. A pre-owned high quality machine will have proven reliability and parts that are readily accessible, minimising downtime. With truck uptime so critical to customers, you need to consider how quickly the parts will be available. Our branches carry the vast majority of parts in stock and if not, we can obtain them overnight."

Terry Kendrew, Impact Toyota's managing director explains: "A pre-owned, premium truck is an increasingly attractive option as operators need more flexibility in their operational requirements. The focus on cheap truck imports has also made the idea of a highly reputable and warranted Toyota pre-owned forklift an attractive and costeffective alternative.

"Acquiring the best you can afford, preowned or new, is an investment in your business. A TOYOTA System II truck really is the next best thing to a new Toyota."

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