Toyota to Manufacture Full Hybrid Auris in the UK

16 July 2009

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) plans to manufacture a full hybrid version of its C-segment hatchback, Auris, at its UK-based facility in Burnaston, Derbyshire. Production of Toyota’s first European-built full hybrid will kick-off at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd (TMUK) in mid-2010. Engines will be produced at TMUK's facility in Deeside, North Wales.

The announcement, which coincided with a site visit by UK First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills Rt. Hon. Lord Mandelson, underlines Toyota’s commitment to expand its offering of low-emission hybrid vehicles to customers in Europe.

The Toyota Auris hit the European market place in spring 2007. Since then, it has sold more than 370,000 vehicles. Under the new Toyota Optimal Drive technology, Auris now comes equipped with a 1.33-liter dual VVT-i engine and Toyota’s Start&Stop technology, reducing CO₂ emissions by 17% (135 g/km) and improving fuel consumption by 19% compared to the previous 1.4-liter VVT-i unit. (Earlier post.)

TMUK started production in 1992 as Toyota’s first manufacturing company in Europe and today employs around 4,100 workers. The plant has produced more than 2.5 million vehicles to-date, including the Carina E, Corolla, Avensis and Auris, for sale in Europe and export overseas. TMUK represents a total investment of over £1.85 billion and is one of nine Toyota manufacturing companies in Greater Europe.

In 2008, Toyota sold more than 1.1 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Europe.