JCB has switched the fleet for its sales team to hybrids under a new deal with Toyota.

JCB’s 40 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estates will be used by sales teams across the UK

It’s ordered 40 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports estates, which will be used by sales teams across the UK and all feature Toyota’s 1.8-litre hybrid system and Icon Tech specification.

The handover of the first 20 vehicles has already taken place at the company’s Rocester headquarters in Staffordshire – less than 20 miles away from Toyota’s Burnaston plant where the Toyota Corolla hatchback and Touring Sports wagon are produced.

The deployment of the hybrids comes as JCB continues to progress its inhouse development of electric construction vehicles. The expansion last year of its range of E-Tech all-electric models 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 a hydrogen-powered excavator said to be the first in the construction sector.

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.”

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.”