Toyota starts hybrid car production in UK
29 Jun 2010
Toyota yesterday launched production of the new hybrid car Auris at its plant in Derbyshire, UK, the first full hybrid to be built in Europe as the world's largest automaker seeks to sell 30,000 annually.
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| Toyota Auris |
The Burnaston plant in Derbyshire started production of the new Auris with Hybrid Synergy Drive, which will be launched by the carmaker in 32 countries across Europe, with deliveries starting in July.
The Auris will be assembled at Toyota Manufacturing UK's Burnaston Plant in Derbyshire, while the Hybrid Synergy Drive system's efficient 1.8ltr petrol engine will be built in Deeside, North Wales.
Didier Leroy, President of Toyota Motor Europe, praised the quality and strength of its UK operations: ''The UK has proved to be a valuable business partner. Building on almost 20 years of manufacturing experience, Toyota Motor UK's team members continue to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the exacting standards of our customers in Europe.''
He added that a new chapter opened as Britain, a traditional origin of industrial innovation, becomes home to the manufacture of the first full hybrid vehicle for Europe.
The new Auris Hybrid, which has a starting price of £18,950 ($27,278), is a 5-door hatchback equipped with the first and only full hybrid powertrain in the highly competitive C-Segment
