The Toyota Corolla has officially become a valued member of the UK police force, combining reliability, durability, and hybrid efficiency. Tailor-made for duty, this top-quality patrol car offers both environmental benefits and performance excellence.
Passing-Out Parade: Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) celebrated the Corolla’s new role with a symbolic “blue light” event at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. Representatives from over 20 constabularies attended to learn about the Corolla’s features that make it an attractive proposition for police fleets across Europe.
Collaboration and Conversion: Over the past two years, TMUK collaborated closely with various police forces to ensure the Corolla met essential requirements for fleet replacement and upgrades. The Special Vehicle Operations Division at Burnaston meticulously converted the vehicles, adhering to Toyota’s high-quality standards. Thanks to economies of scale and expert technicians, production capacity for these police-specification Corollas is expected to reach 15 conversions per week.
Key Features: The police-specification Corolla boasts several essential features:
- Enhanced Safety:
- Built-in satellite navigation and parking sensors.
- A dog guard for the load compartment.
- Lighting and Visibility:
- Roof-mounted light bar for emergency situations.
- Interior and exterior illumination.
- Robust Design:
- Secondary battery equipment and control systems are designed to withstand impact forces.
- Additional Amenities:
- Siren, radio system support, and customisable livery options.
Rigorous Testing: Before deployment, the Police Authority Specification Corolla underwent extensive testing, including the Metropolitan Police’s rigorous evaluation. It passed with flying colours, ensuring it is fit for the demanding job of law enforcement. Two hybrid models are available: the 1.8-litre Active and the 2.0-litre Icon.
TMUK’s Commitment: Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, expressed pride in the Corolla’s adoption by the police. He emphasised the collaboration with Toyota divisions and constabularies, resulting in a vehicle that meets stringent requirements. The Corolla now stands as one of the preferred choices for police patrols.
