With increasing demands on businesses and fleet managers, the challenge isn’t just having the right vehicles – it’s keeping them on the road and ready to work. Reliability, performance, and efficiency are critical, yet in our research, only 31% of fleet decision-makers* said they feel fully prepared for the impact of vehicle downtime.
Stay ahead with preventative maintenance
Minimising downtime starts with proactive maintenance. Regular servicing helps address wear and tear early, reducing the risk of unexpected issues. Proactive maintenance is crucial for all fleets, as any disruption can impact operations and customer service. In fact, when we spoke to fleet operators, one in two* reported significant uptime improvements with preventative maintenance.
Technology that boosts vehicle uptime
Advancements in vehicle technology are also helping to boost uptime. Electrified vehicles often require less maintenance than traditionally fuelled models, allowing for longer intervals between servicing and more time on the road. At the same time, telematics helps improve reliability by monitoring vehicle health in real-time, identifying potential issues early so they can be investigated and resolved before they escalate. It can also be used to help optimise routes, reducing delays, congestion, and unnecessary mileage.
The optimum fleet mix
Boosting uptime starts with selecting the right vehicles to ensure smooth operations and minimise disruptions. Vans and pick-up trucks serve different roles, so matching vehicle capacity to operational needs – often referred to as right-sizing – helps make the best use of your fleet. Fuel choice also plays a key role in keeping vehicles and drivers moving. For instance, the New Proace City Electric is particularly well-suited for urban deliveries, helping keep your business moving.
Safety and driver education
As well as protecting drivers and other road users, advanced driver assistance systems help prevent accidents, reducing downtime and costs. Driver education also plays a key role, promoting efficient driving practices that help reduce wear and tear, such as smooth braking and hazard anticipation. Hybrid vehicles support this with real-time efficiency displays, helping drivers optimise performance.
Support that keeps you moving
Even with the best planning, unexpected challenges can arise. That’s why having the right support in place is essential. With more than 100 centres across the UK, Toyota Professional provides expert aftersales care to keep your fleet on the road. Our versatile range of vans and pick-up trucks, available as petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric, means you can find the right fit for your business. Every new vehicle purchase comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty † and an additional 12-month/10,000-mile warranty with each qualifying service until your vehicle reaches 10 years of age or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. Terms and conditions apply. And for added peace of mind, all new vans and pick-up trucks include 5 years of free roadside assistanceˆ, keeping you moving when it matters most.
*The data referenced is based on findings from a survey of 200 UK fleet decision-makers conducted in July 2024.
†Terms and conditions apply. See website for further details. ˆTerms and conditions apply. See website for further details.
