Toyota Begins Production of All-New 2013 Auris at Burnaston Plant

Toyota hosted a special ceremony today at its Burnaston factory, just south of the city of Derby in Britain, to mark the start of series production of the second generation of the Auris hatchback and welcome future production of the Auris Touring Sports model, which will join its European ranks from next year.

The Japanese carmaker said it invested around £185 million to build the two new models at the UK plant, including £85 million to support the supply chain, which led to the employment of 800 temporary workers, all of whom have been offered Toyota production apprenticeships.

The event at Burnaston was attended by Dr Vince Cable, UK Secretary of State for Business, who said he was pleased by Toyota’s move to invest and build the new cars in Britain.

“I’m delighted to be here again in Burnaston today to mark the start of production of the latest Auris,” said Cable. “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.”

The new generation of the Auris hatchback and the new Auris estate will be built alongside the mid-size Avensis and Avensis Tourer. Toyota said that since operations begun in 1992 with the production of the Carina E, more than 3.25 million cars have been built at Burnaston.

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