The Toyota Corolla has been officially integrated into the fleet of the UK’s police force, with a specific emphasis on reliability, durability, and the added advantage of hybrid power for fuel and emissions efficiency. This recent addition to the police fleet is the result of dedicated efforts by the Special Vehicle Operations Division at Toyota’s facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire, where the Touring Sports hybrid model was modified for police use.
Extensive testing, including the Metropolitan Police’s rigorous test programme, has confirmed that the Police Authority Specification Corolla is prepared to meet the demands of police work. The British-built vehicle is now available to police forces across the UK in two versions – the 1.8-litre Active and the 2.0-litre Icon.
Key features of the police-specification vehicle include integrated satellite navigation, parking sensors, and a dog guard for the load compartment, ensuring enhanced safety for officers and police dogs on duty. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a roof-mounted lightbar, both exterior and interior illumination, secondary battery equipment, and control systems designed to withstand impact forces. It also boasts a siren, radio system support, and various livery options.
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, expressed his pride in the development of the Corolla for police use, stating: “We have worked collaboratively with all divisions of Toyota in the UK and various constabularies, which has enabled us to build on their feedback and requirements. Ensuring that we applied standard Toyota practices for the work means we have been able to deliver a vehicle that meets the police forces’ stringent requirements.”
He added, “The adoption of Corolla by the police is testament to the efforts our employees invest in every vehicle that comes off our production line. We are proud that our Corolla is now one of the vehicles of choice for the police.”
The partnership between Toyota and UK police forces emphasizes the commitment to providing law enforcement with vehicles that are not only reliable, but also equipped with the latest technology and safety features. The incorporation of the Corolla into police fleets across the UK signifies a milestone for Toyota and highlights the brand’s dedication to meeting the specific requirements of police operations. In the field, this means providing officers with the tools they need to carry out their duties efficiently and safely.