Toyota confirms plans to build hybrid cars in the UK
Fri 17 July 2009
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Toyota Motor Europe has announced plans to manufacture a hybrid version of the Toyota Auris at Burnaston, Derbyshire. Production of the vehicle is expected to begin in mid-2010. The vehicle will be the first full hybrid to be manufactured in Europe. Meanwhile, plans have been announced for the mass production of an electric car in Bangalore, India, to begin early in 2010.
Toyota’s factory in Deeside, Wales, will make engines for the new Auris, which will then be assembled at Burnaston. The company, which employs around 4,100 people in the UK, has sold 370,000 Auris cars in Europe since introducing them in 2007.
The Government were encouraged by the news which came shortly after the announcement of the UK's low carbon industrial strategy.
Lord Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Industry and Skills (BIS) said: "This is a welcome and forward-looking investment in Britain from a world class manufacturer. As part of our low carbon industrial strategy we set out to make Britain the best place in the world to develop low carbon vehicles. These commitments, backed by the formidable skills of the UK automotive workers enable companies like Toyota to invest with confidence in low carbon car production in the UK. It demonstrates that the UK's car industry is already making the low carbon transition."
Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Motor Europe said: "Our decision to produce a full hybrid in the UK reflects both our confidence in the quality and commitment of the TMUK workforce and the strength of our long-standing partnership with the UK Government. Today’s announcement is positive for Toyota, our UK suppliers and the local communities here".
Toyota's Burnaston plant has produced over 2.5 million vehicles to-date, including the Carina E, Corolla, Avensis and Auris, for sale in Europe and export overseas.
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