Toyota's BT 'Optio' L-Series order-picking forklift has won a product design award at the prestigious international Forum (iF) Design Awards just weeks after going on sale in Australia.
The German-based iF Awards recognise excellence in quality of design, choice of materials, safety, durability, ergonomics and low environmental impact. Judges said the Optio order-picker had scored highly in all those areas, earning it the top honour of a gold trophy.
Toyota Material Handling Australia product manager Dean Watson said the award backed up the strong early reception for the Optio since its introduction to the Australian market in February.
"That the BT Optio L-Series has been honoured in this way is excellent news for our customers," Mr Watson said.
"The award-winning BT Optio will greatly enhance the operations of any workplace, with features that help get the job done more efficiently.
"For example, the E-man concept's electrical servo steering makes guiding the forklift easier and safer at low speeds, and it can be positioned according to the driving conditions, which makes it the ideal all-rounder for a variety of tasks.
"Additionally, the forklift's low step-in height offers safer entry and exit, and BT's Optimised Truck Performance program greatly improves its stability around corners," Mr Watson added.
BT Optio L-Series trucks are available in 1000 to 2700kg capacities and the P-models (OSE250P, OSE120P, OSE180XP) feature Sensi-lift, which raises the entire platform by 980mm for safe elevated picking work.
Toyota BT 'Optio' L-Series Wins Gold at iF Awards