In Toyota Material Handling Europe, we are over 13,500 colleagues passionate about supporting companies of all sizes with todays and tomorrow’s material handling challenges. Because we know that our business and our industry are essential and sometimes even critical for you, for daily life and society at large.
In a rapidly growing high-tech industry in fast transformation, Toyota Material Handling Europe is stable, global and influential. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation and we aim to strengthen our capabilities as a learning organisation.
About the Thesis
We are currently in the development window of a new forklift truck model, which presents a unique opportunity to explore how climate ambitions can be translated into scalable industrial solutions. This Master Thesis will focus on how Net Zero and circularity goals can guide design and development activities and how these ambitions can be embedded into industrial-scale production.
You will be based at our Innovation Centre in Vallastaden, Linköping, just a five-minute walk from the university. The Centre offers a dedicated student area where you can collaborate with other Master’s students, exchange ideas with our engineers and play an active role in the daily dynamics of innovation. You will also have the opportunity to visit our factory and laboratories in Mjölby, gaining close insight into our core operations.
Thesis Objectives
The objective is to analyse and propose a development roadmap for designing, scaling and integrating the new truck into a future value chain, guided by Net Zero and circularity.
Key questions include:
- Which alternative materials, processes and solutions beyond today’s standards can inspire sustainable transformation?
- How can we enable practical implementation from insight and design to R&D execution? What should the process look like, including tollgates and flexibility for adjustments?
- How can the production chain be built to be scalable, fossil-free and circular? What external success stories can guide us?
- How should we design for refurbishing and remanufacturing at scale?
- How can these insights be applied already today in ongoing product development?
Your Contribution
As a thesis student, you will:
- Explore best practices and benchmarks for sustainable industrial development.
- Analyse design, architecture and engineering approaches for circular solutions.
- Propose a roadmap and practical recommendations for embedding Net Zero ambitions into industrial truck development.
Your Profile
We are looking for:
- One or two Master’s students with a background in engineering, industrial design, sustainability or innovation management.
- Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
- Interest in sustainability, product development and industrial strategy.
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to conduct your thesis within a global leader in material handling solutions.
- Access to experts and resources in a dynamic R&D environment.
- Support and mentorship throughout the thesis process.
- Compensation according to Toyota Material Handling Europe’s policy for thesis students.
Practical Information
Start date: January 2026
Duration: Typically, 20 weeks, aligned with your programme. (30hp)
Location: Linköping / Mjölby, Sweden (Innovation Centre with option for remote work)
Your Application
Send your application as soon as possible and no later than November 6th, 2025. We review applications continuously, so don’t wait to apply. We’re not looking for perfect. We’re looking for curious, courageous, creative minds who want to MOVE the World with us.
Applications should include:
- CV
- A short personal letter
- Transcript of records
For more information about this thesis topic, please contact Maria Bolin Anvill, Program Manager Innovation at maria.bolinanvill@toyota-industries.eu
For more information about the recruitment process, please contact Victoria Östryd Söderlind; victoria.ostrydsoderlind@toyota-industries.eu
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