Forklift wins international design awards

Toyota’s 8-series forklift range has been recognised by two prestigious international awards, winning a Special Mention in the German Design Award 2015 and a Good Design Award 2014 in Japan.

In order to be nominated for the German Design Award, a product must be recommended by one of the judges or have previously won an international design award. The Toyota 8-Series is the first forklift to receive a Special Mention in the awards and it was up against a field of 2250 nominations from around the world. Other Special Mention winners include the Mercedes-Benz C Class, Audi A8 facelift and Vodafone internet router.

The Good Design Award is Japan’s only design evaluation and commendation award, and is contested by companies and designers from around the world.

Earlier this year, Toyota Material Handling Australia launched the 8-series 3.5- to 8-tonne range, extending its forklift safety, fuel-saving and ergonomic features to all its internal combustion forklifts up to 8-tonne capacity.

Highlights of the range include a 65 kW electronic fuel injection-equipped 3.7 L LPG engine that provides fuel savings of up to 20% compared with the superseded model.

Key safety features include its system of active stability, which helps reduce the likelihood of lateral or longitudinal roll-overs.

Other features include a redesigned chassis with fully stamped steel plate construction and ergonomic improvements like increased floor space and a larger step.