Toyota has confirmed the all-new third-generation Auris family hatchback will be built at its Burnaston, Derby plant, news that will be a major fillip to the under-pressure UK automotive industry.
The Japanese giant’s commitment to the UK comes despite uncertainties over Brexit, although Toyota Motor Europe president and CEO Dr Johan van Zyl was keen to stress the need for politicians to strike the best possible deal for when the UK leaves the EU.
“As a company, we are doing what we can to secure the competitiveness of our UK operations as a leading manufacturing centre for our European business.
“With around 85 percent of our UK vehicle production exported to European markets, continued free and frictionless trade between the UK and Europe will be vital for future success.”
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In a double boost for Britain, most of the engines used in the new Auris will come from Toyota’s engine plant in Deeside and the UK workforce was singled out for praise by Toyota Europe’s chief. “Today’s announcement… shows our confidence in the skills and capabilities of our TMUK members.”
Toyota Manufacturing UK MD Marvin Cooke was naturally delighted with the good news. “It signals Toyota’s trust in TMUK’s ability to build ever-better cars for our customers.”
The new Auris will be built on the latest Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, for which Toyota has invested £240 million in Burnaston to install the new equipment and technologies.
Using this new tech “is a big responsibility,” said Cooke, and “we will constantly improve our productivity and competitiveness to help secure a bright future for TMUK”.
The all-new Auris will be revealed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show next week. In the build-up, Toyota has issued a teaser of the new car – Motoring Research will bring you all the news LIVE from the show starting early next week.