Toyota celebrates start of new Auris production at Burnaston

Toyota's proud record of manufacturing in the UK reached another landmark with the official start of production of the all-new Auris at its Burnaston factory. Dr. Vince Cable, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, welcomed Toyota's continued
investment in its UK operations, which will also see the new Auris Touring Sports estate car built at the plant from next year.

"I'm delighted to be here again in Burnaston today to mark the start of production of the latest Auris. It marks another significant milestone as Toyota celebrates 20 years of manufacturing here in the UK. Toyota's £185-million investment is good news for the UK supply chain and helping to improve skills and training. Eight hundred workers have already been recruited and offered Toyota production apprenticeships," said Dr Cable.

"The automotive industry is one of strategic national importance to the UK. The Automotive Council demonstrates how Government and business can work together to help promote manufacturing and growth. We want to develop this sort of partnership in more key sectors as part of our industrial strategy."

Didier Leroy, President and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, emphasised the importance of the UK in the company's strategy for vehicle and engine production in Europe. He said, "Toyota chose the UK as the location for its first manufacturing centre in Europe 20 years ago and has regularly made significant investments to develop TMUK's operations and expand their capabilities."

"New Auris is at the heart of our European strategy and we expect it to strengthen our sales performance in the family car market. It is a unique proposition in its segment in being offered with petrol, diesel and full hybrid power in both the hatchback and new Touring Sports estate versions."

"Our TMUK members at Burnaston and at the Deeside engine plant continue to demonstrate they can deliver the superior quality and efficiency that are vital for building our presence in a highly competitive marketplace. With the benefit of our investment in new Auris, we are pleased that we are increasing our TMUK workforce and generating further new jobs among our suppliers."

The decision to build the new Auris hatchback and Touring Sports estate car at TMUK has been supported by Toyota's investment of around £185-million - about £85-million of which was allocated to the supply chain. This takes Toyota's UK investment total to more than £2.1-billion since it launched its operations here in 1992. The project is also boosting employment and already 800 temporary workers have been recruited by TMUK. Notably all of these have been offered Toyota production apprenticeships.

"This is a great day for TMUK. The start of new Auris production at Burnaston is a testament to the on-going achievements of our members in helping create one of the finest vehicle manufacturing centres in the world.Toyota's investment in our operations is a fantastic vote of confidence of what we can deliver, not just at TMUK, but within the wider British manufacturing sector too," said Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director.

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