Legal Information

On this page, you can find a link to the Chair’s statement. This statement is produced pursuant to Regulation 23 of the Occupational Pension Schemes (Scheme Administration) Regulations 1996, as amended by subsequent legislation and explains how the Toyota (GB) Retirement Benefits Plan (1979) is meeting the governance standards that apply to occupational pension schemes that provide money purchase benefits (i.e. Defined Contribution schemes – DC).

New Test Method for Fuel Economy and Emissions

Since the 1980s, European new car emissions and fuel economy tests have been carried out using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). From 1 September 2017, a new test has been introduced, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), to give both car buyers and owners a more realistic understanding of a car's performance.

What is WLTP?

The European Union has developed a new test called the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) which came into effect on 1st September 2017 for new type approvals and 1 September 2018 for all vehicles. This will replace the current New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure for establishing the official Fuel Consumption and CO2 emissions of new cars.

The new WLTP laboratory test will also be supplemented by an emissions test that measures pollutants directly on the road: RDE (Real Driving Emissions) and was brought in to the new testing regime to provide a closer representation of ‘real-world’ fuel consumption and CO2 figures and provide model specific values at the point of sale.

Source: http://wltpfacts.eu

What is RDE?

This takes place on real roads, the RDE test compliments lab tests by measuring that a car delivers low pollutant emissions on the road.

Real driving emission (RDE) tests will measure the pollutants, such as NOx, emitted by cars while driven on the road. RDE will not replace laboratory tests, such as the current NEDC and the future WLTP but it will be additional to them. Europe is the first region in the world to introduce such on-the-road testing, marking a major leap in the testing of car emissions.

Introducing Greater Clarity

Everyday tests, realistic results

The new WLTP tests will ensure that lab measurements now better reflect the situations you will experience in everyday life. This means that fuel consumption and emissions values displayed for new cars are a far better representation of what you are actually likely to achieve.

At Toyota, we welcome the change to WLTP, which will provide our customers with a more accurate basis for calculating fuel economy and emissions. As a leader in clean mobility, we’ve spent decades researching how to make vehicles that are kinder to the environment, producing technologies such as hybrid that have proved their value in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and helping the move towards a low carbon society.

“Hybrid is the backbone of our powertrain programme and will help us cut our vehicle carbon emissions by 90% by 2050 compared to 2010.” 

- Dr. Johan van Zyl, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe

NEDC to WLTP: What's Changing?

With advances in vehicle technology and changes in driving conditions, the near-40-year-old NEDC driving cycle test has been replaced. To give you a more accurate way of calculating and comparing a car’s fuel consumption and emissions, the new WLTP test introduces more realistic testing conditions, so that lab measurements better reflect the on-road performance of a car.

What does WLTIP mean for me? 

WLTP will facilitate a better means of assessing how high the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of the vehicle may be on average. At the same time, however, more realistic values will also mean higher consumption and CO2 values for vehicles with combustion engines and a lower electric range for electric vehicles (including plug-in hybrids). These new tests will not have any effect or change the performance of the vehicle.

As Toyota transition to WLTP the following type approval timings will apply:

Commercial and Passenger vehicles (types M1 and N1 (i)):

• From September 2017, all new model introductions are subject to WLTP type approval and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing.
  
  
• From September 2018, all new registrations need to comply to WLTP type approval.
  
  
• From September 2019, all new registrations need to comply to RDE testing. Light Commercial Vehicles (Category N1
  
  
• From September 2018, all new Light Commercial vehicle model introductions will be subject to WLTP type approval and Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing.
  
  
• From September 2019, all new registrations of Light Commercial Vehicles need to comply to type approval under WLTP and all new registrations will be subject to RDE testing.

Further Information

What impact will this have on taxation?

From 1st April 2020 WLTP CO2 figures will be used to calculate your vehicles first year VED tax payment, often referred to as VED – please visit the government vehicle tax rates page for a full listing of vehicle tax rates from 1st April 2020. From 6th April 2020, WLTP CO2 figures will be used for company car tax purposes – please visit the government rates and allowances page for full listing of company car tax rates from 6th April 2020.

Will WLTP test for other air quality pollutants?

WLTP is also used to measure substances such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particles (PM/PN).

When will light commercial vehicle values change?

WLTP certification is mandatory for all light commercial vehicles from 1 September 2019.

Modified: 20 December 2019

Information correct at time of publication.

A. Purpose

This document sets out the policy of Toyota (GB) PLC (“TGB”) regarding the purchase of goods and services. It applies to all staff including employees and contractors. 

Our policy is to seek the purchase of goods and services from suppliers that enhance positive impacts on the environment and society whilst meeting our business requirements. By incorporating social, environmental and ethical considerations into procurement decisions we endeavour to make a positive contribution to the environment and society.

B. About this policy

In support of this policy TGB will: 

1. assign responsibility to named responsible individuals and provide adequate management oversight; 
   
2. allocate funds for the effective direction, implementation and continuous improvement of this policy;  
3. measure and monitor the application of this policy; 
4. review this policy at least once every two years; and 
5. conduct an environmental, social and ethical assessment of relevant suppliers. It is understood that all organisations that we do business with must comply with relevant national and international regulations. In the event of any conflict between those laws and this policy, then the provisions that give the greatest level of protection should be applied. 
   
   

No individual who works for TGB may commit the company to any form of financial expenditure unless they follow this policy.

C. Knowing our supply chain

TGB has an obligation to be aware of the working conditions and other practices used within our supply chain. It is our policy to carry out an appropriate level of due diligence, relating to the financial status and the other factors outlined below in this document, on all business partners. This must always be completed before any new supplier is engaged.

D. TGB’s Commitment

This policy sits within our established procurement practices that ensure a fair and transparent procurement process that operates in line with all applicable laws and regulations. To ensure that this policy works adequately, TGB will: 

1. work collaboratively with suppliers to improve environmental, social and ethical standards; 
2. protect the confidentiality of information entrusted to us; 
   
3. require suppliers to realise reasonable environmental, social and ethical standards; 
4. ensure that all TGB staff are aware of this policy; 
5. ensure that compliance with this policy is applied equally to all of our suppliers; 
6. seek to exert commercial influence where we are confident that improvements can be made in environmental, social or ethical performance of suppliers; 
7. ensure that all suppliers’ staff working on our premises are afforded the same levels of respect and safety as our own staff; 
8. base our supplier selection on objective and transparent criteria that include the consideration of environmental, social and ethical performance; 
9. cease trading with suppliers showing persistent disregard for important elements of environmental, social and ethical performance or that do not meet our internal criteria for selection; 
   
10. act as an advocate for responsible supply chain practices within our industry sector; and 
11. use a risk based approach to ensure we focus on those areas where the risk is greatest and maximum impact can be achieved.

E. Procurement Process

1. The rationale behind supplier selection is to ensure suppliers have the capacity, the capability and have a fair opportunity to contract with TGB. The process includes: 
   • identifying our own business requirements;
   • researching the market for the goods and services required;
   • developing a procurement strategy, assessing and selecting potential bidders; 
   • completion of our tender process; and 
   • selecting the supplier/s that offer the best fit with all selection criteria. 
2. Credit checks will be run against potential suppliers to ensure TGB is aware of trading history and their ongoing viability as a business. 
3. When selecting suppliers TGB may request certain information and documentation. We may also require suppliers to register with our preferred due diligence portal to allow effective checking of all suppliers to be completed. Weighted selection criteria include quality, financial viability and sustainability. 
4. TGB standard terms and conditions will be entered into with suppliers, as a minimum requirement. For any transaction above £30,000 a full legal agreement, rather than standard form terms and conditions, should be used between the parties. TGB’s Procurement and Legal & Compliance departments will advise on which agreement is to be used.

F. Expectations of our suppliers

TGB expects that all of our suppliers adhere to the following principles. All suppliers should: 

1. have management systems in place to enable compliance with all relevant legal requirements and this policy in their own operations and those of their supply chain; 
2. comply, at all times, with all relevant international labour conventions; 
3. communicate their expectations for compliance on the issues covered in this policy to all relevant employees and suppliers; 
4. provide evidence, upon reasonable request from TGB, to enable assessment of their compliance with this policy; and 
5. demonstrate continuous improvement in their approach to sustainable and responsible purchasing.

G. Importance of working conditions

TGB does not use or accept any forced, bonded, involuntary or child labour. We will only ever work with people that choose to work freely. We respect the right of everybody to equal opportunities and insist that all business partners meet our own standards. We expect our suppliers and business partners to adopt and demonstrate the following minimum standards: 

1. Child Labour: Organisations should ensure the effective long-term elimination of child labour. No young person under 18 should be employed at night or in hazardous conditions. 
2. Forced Labour: There should be no use of forced, bonded or involuntary labour. No worker should ever be required to lodge a “deposit” or identity papers with their employers. All workers should be able to leave after giving reasonable notice. 
3. Health & Safety: All employees should expect to work in an environment that is both safe and healthy. Adequate steps should be taken to prevent accidents occurring in the normal course of work. All workers should receive suitable health and safety training and have access to clean toilet facilities and clean drinking water as required. 
4. Abuse: Physical abuse (actual or threatened), all forms of harassment, verbal abuse and any other form of intimidation are never acceptable. Disciplinary and grievance procedures must be clearly documented and communicated appropriately. 
5. Freedom of Association: All workers have the right to form and join organisations of their own choosing without prior authorisation. 
6. Working Hours: Working hours should not be excessive and shall comply with relevant national laws. Overtime should only be voluntary. 
7. Equal Treatment: Organisations will seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination in access to employment, training and working conditions. 
8. Remuneration: Wages and benefits given to workers should meet national standards. All workers should be provided with written information on their pay and conditions. 
9. Employment terms: All workers should be provided with written contracts which detail the terms and conditions of their employment in an understandable way. Work performed should be on the basis of recognised employment law and practice. 
10. Community impact: Organisations are encouraged to support the communities in which they operate through appropriate community initiatives.

H. Ethical Trading

TGB is committed to respecting the dignity, liberty and equality of everyone that we work with. This includes maintaining an interest in the business practices used by companies and business partners that supply goods or services to us. 

All of our suppliers must be able to demonstrate the existence of proportionate processes and procedures to implement appropriate staff guidelines and codes of conduct. Suppliers should ensure that management systems and practices are in place to ensure the prevention of: 

1. money laundering; 
2. insider trading and market abuse or manipulation; 
3. conflicts of interest; 
4. fraud, bribery and corruption and other improper payments, gifts or hospitality; and 
5. unauthorised access to personal and business information.

I. Energy & Environment

The Toyota Group’s commitment to protecting and respecting the environment forms an important part of its Guiding Principles. We seek to ensure that appropriate attention is paid to environmental issues in the purchase of all products and services for our business. All suppliers should be able to demonstrate: 

1. documented policies relating to environmental performance and energy management; 
2. the ability to monitor and review environmental performance and energy efficiency; 
3. the degree to which their operations are covered by recognised environmental management systems and any intentions towards such accreditation; 
4. the awareness of potential environmental risks inherent in their operations; 
5. the implementation of processes to mitigate or minimise potential environmental risks; 
6. the degree to which products and services have been designed with environmental considerations in mind. 

As part of their commitment to good environmental performance, all suppliers should seek to:

1. minimise the use of energy, water and raw materials where practical;
2. maximise the use of recyclable and renewable materials including energy; 
3. make practical efforts to minimise waste and dispose of it in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner; and 
4. avoid contamination of the local environment and ensure that emissions, air, noise and odour pollution is, as a minimum, within nationally defined limits.

Changes to our Procurement Policy

You should note that we may change this Procurement Policy without notice. Please check back frequently to see any updates or changes made to this statement.

Contact Us

Questions, comments and requests regarding this Procurement Policy are welcomed and should be addressed to: 

Legal & Compliance 
Toyota (GB) PLC 
Great Burgh 
Burgh Heath 
Epsom 
KT18 5UX

Toyota (GB) PLC and Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC

Modern Slavery Statement 2024

For the financial year ending 31st March 2024

1. Introduction

Toyota (GB) PLC ("TGB") and Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC ("TFSUK'") (together ("we" or "Toyota")) continue to implement and endorse responsible business practices to ensure compliance with all applicable modern slavery legislation and to uphold the integrity of our brands, "Toyota' and 'Lexus'. This statement sets out the actions we have taken to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our businesses and supply chains.

We work closely with our UK manufacturing operations, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited ("MUK"), to share best practice and experience. We are continuing to publish TMUKs' statement on the TGB website alongside our own ot ensure customers, suppliers and other stakeholders have transparency in understanding our approach to modern slavery.

Defining Modern Slavery

The term "modern slavery" encompasses the offences of slavery, servitude, forced, compulsory labour and human trafficking. The Home Office have confirmed that in 2022 there were 16,938 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK, which represented a 33% increase compared to figures in 2021. The Government are particularly concerned that modern slavery could occur throughout an organisation's procurement activities and highlight sectors such as mining, construction, healthcare, and logistics to be high risk.

Despite the challenges in identifying modern slavery, there are generic indicators often present. While this is not exhaustive nor conclusive, these can help to identify potential victims. Victims may appear anxious or fearful and may isolate themselves from others. They could be threatened with violence, potentially having injuries that they are unable to explain to others. They may have very few possessions, including a lack or absence of normal identification documentation. Further, they may not be allowed or travel on their own or appear to be in a controlling relationship.

2. A Toyota Insight

Toyota manufactures and distributes both Toyota and Lexus vehicles and offers financial services. With this goal, Toyota has generated a global presence and is one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers.

Toyota's vision is constantly evolving. We are working towards the offering and availability of diverse mobility solutions and a more sustainable world, both within the business and in the vehicles we manufacture. Our "Beyond Zero" ambition is at the forefront of this. Currently, we offer four different electrified powertrains and plan to build 40 new or updated electric vehicles by 2025 aimed to reducing or removing tailpipe emissions.

We are exceptionally proud of our Worldwide Official Mobility Partnership with both the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees in our mission to give freedom of movement to humankind.

As the ultimate parent company of both TGB and TFSUK, Toyota Motor Corporation ("MC") set the direction and principles which its subsidiaries follow. These principles consist of conducting business with honesty and integrity, respecting people and maintaining good relationships through open and fair communication. TGB and TFSUK ensure this approach is adopted and implemented by senior management at a national level.

3. How We Operate

TGB is the national sales and marketing company for Toyota and Lexus in the UK, focused on managing the franchise retail network, supporting customers and the sale and marketing of Toyota and Lexus parts and vehicles. Most of our vehicles are sold to customers through our appointed retailer network but we are increasingly responding to customer demands by selling direct to customers using our online channels and other online partnerships. Additionally, we supply private corporations and public sector organisations with fleets of vehicles to support their business needs. We manage relationships with our aftermarket suppliers, ensuring they share our values and work with us to uphold the integrity of our brands.

TFSUK offers and provides finance products and solutions, such as Hire Purchase products. These finance products are for new and used vehicles and for private and business customers. TFSUKs' finance products are available for Toyota brand and Lexus brand vehicles or any other brand vehicles. TFSUK operates under its primary trading names 'Toyota Financial Services," 'Lexus Financial Services' and 'RedLine'. TFSUK is not an insurer but in a capacity of an insurance mediator TFSUK offers specific insurance types covering Total Los Asset Protection and Minor Damage Protection.

4. Our Policy

We maintain a clear and comprehensive Modern Slavery Policy which is reviewed, updated, and approved by the Board of Directors regularly.

Our Policy reiterates our zero-tolerance approach to human rights infringements and reinforces our seven Guiding Principles.

Our Policy forms part of the induction process for every individual that works for us. We require all staff to read, understand and comply with this Policy to foster an ethical corporate culture.

TGBs' Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines which documents our expectations towards suppliers are clear in stating that the business does not tolerate forced labour or any other form of modern slavery including human trafficking.

We hold all our contractors, suppliers and other business partners ot the same high standards. We include relevant prohibitions against modern slavery in our tendering and contracting processes. We place clear obligations on suppliers to hold their own suppliers to the same high standards. Where appropriate, we grant ourselves rights to audit and terminate supplier relationships where necessary and require our suppliers to do the same.

It is the responsibility of every individual in any part of our business or supply chains to prevent, detect and report modern slavery. We have a reporting system which supports internal reporting as well as reporting via in-management route, and in both cases supports anonymous reporting. The Board of Directors have overall responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy and are supported by the wider Legal and Compliance teams

5. Ensuring Due Diligence in the Supply Chain

Our Procurement and business teams are critical in conducting supplier due dilligence. In every instance a check wil be done on suppliers' financial status. Acompany's financial status can be a key indicator for assessing risk.

Before the restraints imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, TGB would undertake numerous Modern Slavery audits every year. With restrictions now lifted, we have renewed this effort by returning to physical audits. So far in 2023, we have completed supplier audits and a further two are in the planning stage.

Whilst TFSUK's business si primarily the provision of financial services and not the direct provision of physical goods, TFSUK require their partners to comply with modern slavery laws and clearly oblige its suppliers to do so under their service contracts.

6. Risk Assessment

Both TGB and TFSUK can reasonably be considered low risk companies for modern slavery. This is largely because the discreet activities carried out and many of those employed by both companies cover predominantly professional and administrative services. We have identified and acknowledged that there is a degree of exposure to modern slavery situations for those who support our businesses for example service providers that maintain our office building and facilities. We assert that such exposure remains relatively low risk considering our assessment of the service providers and our applicable policies and processes.

Many of the companies that supply us fall within the scope of section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and are obliged to produce their own Modern Slavery Statements, making them aware of the requirements they must follow and thereby reducing risk. It is our intention in the next reporting year to widen the scope of our reporting and enhance our focus on the customer journey.

7. Mitigation

Training

We are proud of the comprehensive training we provide to all our staff. This training comprises of a mandatory e-learning module that is required to be completed annually. This equips all staff with the awareness and skils ot identify and report any acts of modern slavery, within and outside of the workplace.

Whistleblowing Policy

Our Whistleblowing Policy provides al staff with a simple process for reporting suspected instances of modern slavery. This sets out the procedure in which a concern can be raised internally or via a third party whistleblowing helpline. Reports can be made anonymously and every concern is thoroughly investigated and protection and support are provided for whistleblowers.

Our Standard Terms and Conditions

The Terms and Conditions on which we engage with suppliers afford us rights of audit and termination should any incident of modern slavery occur. Looking forward, we will continue to develop our terms and conditions to ensure that they are always updated and afford maximum protection.

This statement is approved on behalf of Toyota (GB) PLC and Toyota Financial Services (UK) PLC with signed versions being held and stored securely.

Introduction and Commitment:

Toyota (GB) PLC is the sales and marketing company for Toyota and Lexus in the UK.

We wholeheartedly believe that diversity is critical to our future success. We look for input, impact and innovation from a range of talented people, irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or any other personal characteristic.

We pay men and women the same for work of equal value, and we regularly carry out internal and external benchmarking to ensure that this continues to be the case. We have a legacy Gender Pay Gap, but are taking proactive steps to ensure that, without discrimination of any kind, we continue to close the gap and help all our employees fulfil their maximum potential.

The difference between equal pay & gender pay gap

Closing the gender pay gap

Toyota (GB) PLC's gender gap aspiration

We want TOYOTA (GB) PLC to be an Employer of Choice as a company that people choose to work for and that people are happy to have chosen.

It is critical, therefore, that we continue to improve our gender mix by ensuring we attract more female candidates, and encourage and facilitate a higher proportion of women progressing through the organisation, which inevitably will close the Gender Pay Gap.

Our aspiration, therefore, without any form of positive discrimination, is for 30% of senior roles to be filled by women by 2030.

The information in TGB’s Gender Pay Gap Report comes from a data snapshot taken on 5th April of the relevant year. This information is a fair and accurate representation of TGB’s Gender Pay Gap.

Scott Thompson, President & Managing Director, Toyota (GB) PLC

Toyota UK Tax Strategy

This tax strategy applies to the UK companies listed under point 5 in the attachment which are part of the wider corporate group wholly owned by the Japanese ultimate parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. These UK Companies are involved in automotive vehicle and parts production and sales operations as well as consumer financing operations in the UK region. This tax strategy complies with the statutory obligations of section 161 and paragraph 19(2) of Schedule 19 of Finance Act 2016 which requires large groups to publish their UK tax strategy, and will be annually reviewed for necessary adjustments.

Statement of Investment Principles – Money Purchase Section – September 2020 and Investment Implementation Statement 2023

On this page, you can find a link to the Statement of Investment Principles for the Money Purchase section (also known as the Defined Contribution or ‘DC’ section) of the Toyota (GB) Retirement Benefits Plan (1979). This statement has been prepared by the Trustees in accordance with Section 35 of the Pensions Act 1995 and outlines the principles governing the investment policy of the Plan and the activities undertaken by the Trustees to ensure the effective implementation of these principles.

Statement of Investment Principles – Defined Benefit Section – March 2023 and Investment Implementation Statement 2023

On this page, you can find a link to the Statement of Investment Principles for the Defined Benefit section of the Toyota (GB) Retirement Benefits Plan (1979). This statement has been prepared by the Trustees in accordance with Section 35 of the Pensions Act 1995 and outlines the principles governing the investment policy of the Plan and the activities undertaken by the Trustees to ensure the effective implementation of these principles.