Toyota Material Handling says that operators will experience a best-in-class turning radius and speed reduction during turns, making it easier to transport loads when cornering. The Side-Entry Rider features quick access to the operator compartment from either side of the truck.

The three-in-one design of the electric Center Rider Stacker, meanwhile, means it is capable of performing the work of a centre rider, order picker and counterbalanced forklift all in one, according to Toyota Material Handling. With a lift capacity up to 2,500lbs and lift height up to 72in, the Center Rider Stacker is equipped with an ergonomic multifunction control handle, while optional additional controls integrated into the backrest are said to “simplify operation and prioritise operator comfort”. The centre rider chassis allows operation in narrow aisles, on trailers, and it is compatible with Toyota lithiumion batteries.

“Toyota’s culture is built on the guiding principle of ‘kaizen’, or continuous improvement. The drive to continually improve permeates every facet of our company, from the broad range of products we manufacture to our unwavering commitment to provide our customers with the smartest and most reliable solutions available in the material handling industry,” said Jaksa Pejnovic, Toyota Material Handling vice president of sales and marketing. “We believe these new Toyota electric products will help customers get even more efficiency and productivity out of their operation.”

“Warehouses and distribution centres everywhere need material handling equipment that can help them keep pace with the speed of commerce,” said Tony Miller, Toyota Material Handling senior vice president of engineering, operations, and strategic planning. “Our customers have been asking for specific and sustainable solutions that get the job done. By adding these new models to Toyota’s expansive and growing line-up of electric products, we are in a position to lift up customers with the material handling solutions they need to be successful in today’s demanding market.”

The Toyota electric models offer optional features, such as cold storage conditioning or PIN code access for enhanced security, allowing customers to customise orders to meet their needs.

In other news, Toyota Material Handling has announced the promotion of Cesar Jimenez to vice president of regulatory affairs, product planning, and product assurance. In this new role, he is responsible for Toyota’s product line throughout its life cycle, including pre-development, launch, warranty and ongoing resolution of any technical problems.

“Cesar’s knowledge of our products, commitment to our customers and dedication to quality make him the ideal person for this position,” said Miller. “Cesar lives out Toyota’s commitment to ensuring all the products and solutions we produce make our customers’ work more efficient while prioritising quality and innovation. I am honoured to work alongside him to ensure our products continue meeting our high standards and solving our customers’ problems."

Jimenez began his career at Toyota as a college intern in the summer of 1996. Over the past 27 years, he has worked in various capacities, including product planning engineer, product marketing manager, and joined the Toyota executive team in 2015. Jimenez has played an instrumental role in the successful launch of over 50 material handling products.

“I am humbled by this opportunity and grateful to have spent my entire career with Toyota,” Jimenez said. “This organisation has given me so much, and I come to work every day driven to represent Toyota in the best possible way. Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by Toyota’s commitment to excellence and the company’s mission to contribute to society in meaningful ways. I am excited to embrace the challenges of this new role and to contribute to Toyota’s continued success by providing products and solutions that solve our customers’ evolving problems.”