After a number of successful appearances at national shows during 2011, the Toyota before and after truck will once again take to the road in 2012, with visits to regional shows and national exhibitions across the country.

The truck has been developed as a live example of the exceptional quality available from Toyota's used truck fleet and the high standard of finish available from the preparation process.

The 50/50 truck is an ex contract hire diesel counterbalance forklift which was returned to Toyota after a standard 5 year rental contract. Half of the truck has been inspected and prepared to Gold standard and the other half has been left as it was returned, illustrating the changes that take place to prepare a truck for another life.

All of Toyota's used trucks are sourced from the Toyota contract hire fleet; serviced by Toyota fully trained technicians, with genuine parts, from new. Before preparation begins, at a specialist TPS (Toyota Production System) facility in Old Dalby, each returned truck is assessed and fully inspected and only the best trucks are deemed suitable for resale.

Tony Wallis, Operations Director Toyota Material Handling UK commented: "Every used truck which has potential to become part of our second life programme goes through a stringent checking process at our dedicated facility. The workshop at Old Dalby operates as part of the Toyota Production System (TPS), inspections take place continually throughout the preparation process ensuring that quality is built in at every stage of the process"

He added: "We decided that the best way to show the excellent standard of Toyota used equipment was to show how they return and how well they can be prepared for a second or even third life. This is particularly true for our counterbalance engine-powered forklift range, which are all fitted with industrial engines, proven for longer truck life. When people see the 50/50 truck they get to see the possibilities of a used truck first hand. It's already generated a lot of interest at events."

As Toyota Material Handling UK focuses 2012 on 'Taking Care', visitors will have more than 20 opportunities to see the 50/50 truck and speak to a member of the local sales and service team to see how they can help support their business. Some of the confirmed shows that the before and after truck will be attending include: Commercial Vehicle Show, South of England Show, Royal Highland Show and Great Yorkshire Show.

The before and after truck will join a range of Toyota counterbalance and BT warehouse equipment which will be displayed at each of the shows Toyota Material Handling UK attends. By attending shows across the country customers will be supplied with more opportunities to see the product range first hand and speak to a member of the Toyota team.