The UK has been picked by the world's largest auto-maker, Toyota, as a base to build its new generation of eco-friendly hybrid cars.
The engines for the Auris hybrid, the first European-produced electric Toyota car, will be built in TMUK's facility in Deeside, North Wales.
The announcement, which coincided with a site visit by Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, reinforces Toyota’s commitment to expanding its offering of low-emission hybrid vehicles to customers in Europe.
“With today’s announcement, Toyota has taken a significant step forward in ensuring that full hybrids become more accessible to a wider range of customers. Such efforts are crucial if we are to see more low-carbon vehicles on European roads,” said Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President, Toyota Motor Europe.
“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, which currently makes hybrids in North America, Japan and China, says the hybrid Auris uses 19 percent less fuel and emits 17 percent less carbon dioxide than the standard version.
The announcement will secure hundreds of jobs at the Deeside plant. Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, speaking at the plant, 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.”
Post a comment