Latest news with #ToyotaMotorEurope
Japan Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Japan Times
Toyota to build GR Corolla in Britain from 2026
Toyota will start the production of the GR Corolla compact car at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, central Britain, in 2026. The automaker hopes to utilize the surplus production capacity of the plant, which is capable of producing 150,000 vehicles annually at present, for exports to the U.S. market, where demand is growing. The plan was announced by Toyota Motor Europe NV/SA on Friday. The investment required to increase production at the plant is estimated to be around ¥8 billion. The Burnaston plant, operated by Toyota Motor Manufacturing (U.K.) Ltd., currently produces models including the Corolla Hatchback. Its output has been shrinking partly due to Brexit, falling below 100,000 units last year. The decision to start building the GR Corolla at the plant reflects "Toyota's efforts to optimize its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible," the automaker said in a statement, adding that it had been preparing to increase production there since last year and that the plan was not based on U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff measures. Earlier this month, the United States and Britain agreed to lower the U.S. tariff on automobiles imported from Britain from 27.5% to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles per year. This lower tariff quota is equivalent to the number of vehicles that were exported from Britain to the United States in 2024.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
World's largest car maker confirms it WILL build hot hatch in UK and invest £40million in a new assembly line
THE world's biggest car maker has confirmed it will build a popular hot hatch in the UK from next year as demand soars. Toyota says it will manufacture the GR Corolla from Burnaston, Derbyshire in a bid to ramp up production. 3 3 3 It follows reports that the car maker was planning to invest around £41 million into the new line. Toyota has denied that the move is related to Trump's tariffs, which place a 25% import tax on cars from Japan compared to just 10% from the UK. The announcement has further fulled speculation that the popular model, which is currently only available in specific markets, could soon be launched in Europe. The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan - and is exported to North America and certain other markets. Prototypes were spotted being tested at Germany 's Nürburgring last year, leading to speculation of a launch according to Autocar. However, a spokesperson suggested it was standard to test global products there - but did not deny the prospect of a European launch. Toyota currently sells the GR Yaris and the GR Supra in Europe. Yoshihiro Nakata, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. "We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company." The Burnaston plant currently produces Toyota's Corolla hatchback and estate for British and European markets. Popular car brand to launch new EV as company teases 'hammerhead' design to rival the Volvo EC40 But the proposed new investment could see production rates significantly boosted. Previous Reuters reports suggest that it could give the plant a capacity of 10,000 cars per year. The reports add that Toyota's Motomachi plant in Japan, which handles GR output, is currently at full capacity. Burnaston built its five millionth car since opening in 1992 last year. Toyota invested a staggering £240million to upgrade the Burnaston plant back in 2017. Then Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said at the time: 'Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota's decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. "I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain. "Toyota is one of the world's largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company's faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK. "As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota confirms will produce GR Corolla in UK from 2026
As earlier reports have suggested, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced it plans to begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) from 2026. Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) was created in 2009 and has since become the 'fastest-growing brand in the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio', Toyota says. The first TGR product – GR Supra – debuted in 2019. This was followed by GR Yaris in 2020, GR86 in 2021 and GR Corolla in 2022. Toyota says the selection of TMUK as the newest production location for a TGR vehicle reflects Toyota's efforts to optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible. Toyota said it also recognises the capability of TMUK, its staff and its supply chain, and the 'deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom'. Preparations have been underway since 2024, when the team at TMUK and key suppliers were first informed about the project; the first vehicle is scheduled to be produced in 2026. Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: 'We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. We very much appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a 'Best in Town' company.' Details of the markets for sales, production volumes and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date, Toyota said. The decision comes amidst the backdrop of the Trump administration's recent agreement to lower tariffs on auto imports from Britain to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Meanwhile, Japan seeks to repeal the 25% tariffs imposed on all auto imports by the US, presenting an additional challenge for global automakers. Currently, Toyota manufactures the GR Corolla in Japan for both domestic and international markets, including North America. However, the high demand from engine enthusiasts in North America has outpaced supply. Toyota's UK Burnaston plant, operational since 1992, has experienced a production decline post-Brexit. It already produces the Corolla GR's base model, making it a suitable choice for the new production line. "Toyota confirms will produce GR Corolla in UK from 2026" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota's Big Reveal Event Shows Off 4 New EVs, Teases Electric Pickup Truck
Early Wednesday morning in Europe, Toyota unveiled four new or significantly updated electric vehicles — and Lexus managed to sneak one in, too. Even more enticing than the new product, though, was the teaser that came along with it: a shadowy image that previewed an upcoming electric pickup truck and electric Land Cruiser-esque EV while suggesting both would be revealed by the end of 2026. The biggest downside to this teaser — apart from the shadows obscuring the images — is that Toyota specifies the vehicles in it are destined for the European market, offering no word on U.S. availability. Toyota didn't provide model names for the teased vehicles either (although Toyota Motor Europe director of marketing and product development Andrea Carlucci did tell Autocar that the automaker will use "familiar" names from "current cars" for its upcoming EVs), and while the pickup gives the impression of being Tacoma-sized, it doesn't match the silhouette of what Toyota previewed as the electric Hilux years ago. The SUV to the right of the pickup, however, is more easily identified as the Land Cruiser Se revealed in 2023. Its proportions are virtually identical to that concept, but Toyota is leaving us with just as few details today as it did with the car's initial debut. For now, we know that it will be a European debut, and its future presence in the U.S. is unclear. As for the new EVs Toyota fully revealed, let's start with the refreshed bZ4X. The big update in this mid-cycle refresh are new electric motors making significantly more power. Toyota's dual-motor version goes from a paltry 215 horsepower to a strong 343 ponies, while the single-motor version sees a 23-horse increase up to 224 hp. Battery updates see the model add a preconditioning function for better winter charging performance and a new 22 kW AC charger for faster home charging. Toyota tweaked both the exterior and interior designs, though the differences are minimal with the biggest change being a new design for the center console that now houses two wireless phone chargers. Lastly, Toyota promises better driving dynamics and less cabin noise thanks to suspension improvements. Sadly, however, it's sticking with its unusual name. The Toyota's Lexus cousin is the RZ, and it enjoys a thorough update that focuses even more on driving performance and engagement. Notably, Lexus is introducing something it calls Interactive Manual Drive; like the system in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, it simulates an eight-speed paddle-shifted transmission and provides feedback via replicated engine sounds and visuals in the form of a "shift guide meter" (which sounds a whole lot like a tachometer). Torque output is calculated to correspond with that of a combustion engine, and there's even a 'rev limiter' you can run into if you don't shift. The RZ also gets more powerful, with up to 408 horsepower for the new RZ 550e F Sport model. This model also enjoys unique styling and a retuned suspension for sportier handling. Meanwhile, the whole lineup is treated to both rigidity improvements and AWD system enhancements. Lexus previewed its steer-by-wire yoke system years ago, but says it's finally coming to the market with this update, too. Battery pack (now a 77 kWh unit) and electric system upgrades enable a range increase of up to around 62 miles, depending on the model. Plus, the same preconditioning update and AC charging speed increase to 22 kW as seen on the bZ4X apply to the RZ. Next up is the fully-electric Toyota C-HR+ that sits just below the bZ4X, coming in about six inches shorter. One look at its styling sure makes it seem like a chip off the bZ4X's block, though, and its specs suggest the same. Two battery pack options — a 57.7 kWh and 77 kWh — are available, and you can choose between either front- or all-wheel-drive versions. Output is the same as the bZ4X, and its charging specs mirror the larger SUV, too, with DC fast charging maxing out at 150 kW. Even the interior looks the same as the bZ4X with the same odd cluster positioning and identical console/center stack arrangement. Like these last three cars, though, don't expect to see the C-HR+ EV in America. The Toyota Urban Cruiser is an extra-small SUV, and is a totally new model this year. It shares the bZ4X's penchant for excessive body cladding, and its size is most similar to that of a Yaris Cross Hybrid, Toyota says. The Urban Cruiser is built on a new EV-dedicated platform and offers two battery pack options, the basic one being 49 kWh and the upgrade being 61 kWh. Both FWD and AWD are available, with the dual-motor AWD version offering up 184 horsepower. You even get a Trail Mode and Downhill Assist Control with the AWD version. Tech is plentiful, too, as the Urban Cruiser gets both a 10.3-inch digital cluster and 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment. The last Toyota to know about from today is the FT-Me concept. It's a two-seater designed for folks with entry-level driving licenses in Europe, allowing people as young as 14 to legally pilot it. Toyota says it features a solar panel system that can supply as much as 18 miles of range in a day. (Of course, that would require city dwellers to park in areas that see a lot of sunlight, which isn't always super-common in dense urban environments.) The FT-Me is also designed for accessibility, as it can be driven purely via hand controls on the steering wheel. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
The Guardian
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- The Guardian
Toyota plans to build battery vehicles in UK and keep European plants
Toyota has said it plans to build battery vehicles in the UK in the future as it seeks to keep all of its European plants open, although it will be cautious before switching away from fossil fuels. The Japanese company, the world's largest carmaker by sales, said it wanted to retain all eight of its European factories through the transition to electric cars, as it announced two new electric models and promised another three by 2026 under its main brand. It also showed a new electric model under its premium Lexus brand, with two more to come this year. The manufacturer was one of the leaders in making hybrid cars that combine a petrol or diesel engine with a small battery, but it has been much slower to switch production over to pure battery electric vehicles than rivals. That cautious approach has paid off financially in recent months as the pace of growth in battery car sales has slowed in some markets, including Europe. The company upgraded its profit forecasts last month after selling 10.8m cars in 2024. Matt Harrison, the chief corporate officer at Toyota Motor Europe, said the company would try to retain its eight European factories but that it would make the move to electric production gradually 'over the next decade'. Toyota opened its UK plants in 1992 and they employ about 3,000 people. Toyota is aiming to keep European sales at about the 1.2m it achieved in 2024, a market share of 7%. Speaking at a launch event in Brussels last week, Harrison said car companies were facing 'encouragement to localise supply chains' because of increasing trade barriers. Global trade frictions and tariffs are expected by most experts to increase as Donald Trump continues his trade war against erstwhile allies. Toyota makes the Corolla hatchback at Burnaston, Derbyshire, and has other car plants in France, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey. Asked if the Burnaston plant had a future making battery cars, Harrison said: 'Ultimately that's our goal, yes. We see that we want to keep all of our manufacturing assets and particularly with the geopolitical […] trends that we see now.' The new electric models were an updated version of the bZ4X, the C-HR+ SUV, which is an electric version of its existing petrol C-HR, and the Lexus RZ. Toyota's confidence in the future of its UK plants will be welcomed by the government, amid repeated criticisms from the industry of rules that force carmakers to sell an increasing number of electric cars every year. The UK government has pledged to relax the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate – despite the concerns of environmental campaigners – arguing the industry needed respite. On a trip to Japan last week, the UK business secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, told Toyota and its smaller Japanese rival Nissan that the government would 'do everything possible to ensure automotive manufacturing remains in the UK', including loosening the ZEV mandate. Toyota was also particularly concerned with the UK including some hybrids in a ban on new petrol and diesel cars between 2030 and 2035. A ban on models not capable of running on zero-emissions power could have ruled out models such as the Prius. However, the government is now expected to allow Prius-style hybrids, in part because of Toyota's lobbying. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion Harrison said allowing hybrids until 2035 was 'a no-brainer' because it moved the UK in line with the EU. He added that there was 'no direct connection between Burnaston's future and the ZEV mandate' because of its focus on exporting vehicles to Europe. 'It's the speed of transition in mainland Europe, not the UK, which will have the biggest bearing on sustainability of TMUK,' he said, referring to the UK factory. 'Our strategy in Europe is we don't believe we need to change our manufacturing footprint very much … we're not looking to downsize, consolidate, or build a new plant.' That plan also applies to plants making engines, including sites in Deeside, north Wales, and Poland. Harrison emphasised that the company would not rush to make the switch because it is not certain over how quickly demand for electric cars will increase over the next decade. 'We have to pick the moment of transition very carefully,' Harrison said. 'We have to have critical mass and volume, otherwise we can't have a competitive supply chain.' Toyota, under Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the company's founder, has faced criticism for its ongoing support for the polluting internal combustion engine. It is continuing development for six types of propulsion technology: battery cars, hybrids, and plug-in hybrids capable of being charged with a plug, plus technologies not seen to have a significant future for mass-market cars, including hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen combustion and 'carbon-neutral' petrol. Toyota also revealed plans to build an electric 'microcar' to rival Stellantis's Citroën Ami, the Swiss-made Microlino and a series of Chinese competitors. Toyota's FT-Me concept car will, if brought to full production, qualify as a quadricycle, meaning it could be driven by 14-year-olds in countries including France without a full licence.
