Latest news with #YoshihiroNakata
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish 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 The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan Credit: Toyota 3 Camry vehicles move down the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Corp. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky Credit: Getty 3 Toyota's car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire Credit: PA:Press Association 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.'
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish 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. Advertisement 3 The GR Corolla is currently only available in Japan Credit: Toyota 3 Camry vehicles move down the assembly line at the Toyota Motor Corp. manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky Credit: Getty 3 Toyota's car plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire Credit: PA:Press Association It follows reports that the car maker 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. Advertisement read more in motors 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. Advertisement Most read in Motors "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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement "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.'
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
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota takes cautious approach to super-cheap EVs
BRUSSELS — Toyota is not convinced that a battery-electric minicar built in Europe and priced at €20,000 or less can be profitable. Volkswagen, Renault, Dacia and Citroen have already announced European-made BEVs at that price. Most are in the minicar segment, where Toyota ranked second in 2024 with the Aygo X. Toyota is holding back on launching a low-cost BEV in Europe for now. 'Given the current cost of batteries, I am suspicious that producing in Europe could be profitable at that price point,' Toyota Europe CEO Yoshihiro Nakata said in an interview in Brussels on March 6. Toyota's rivals also have worries about the profitability of electric minicars but they are launching them anyway. Volkswagen plans to launch the ID1 battery-electric minicar priced at €20,000 in 2027 even though executives admit that it will be tough to sell the entry-level EV at a profit. VW Group CEO Oliver Blume said during the company's 2024 earnings call March 11 that it was important for VW to develop the ID1 despite its low margins because it will help to bring new customers to the brand. Sign up for the Automotive News Europe Cars & Concepts newsletter, which covers the biggest moves in Europe's product market. On the same call VW Group CFO Arno Antlitz said that achieving positive margins on the ID1 'will be difficult.' He said the ID1 the will relieve pricing pressure on VW's larger EVs such as the ID2, which is due to launch in 2025. Antlitz said the ID2 will have a 'good profit margin.' The two minicars now available in Europe for €20,000 or less are both imported from China. They are the Leapmotor T03 and Dacia Spring. But European-built alternatives are coming. A sub-€20,000 version of the Citroen C3 small hatchback, which is built in Slovakia, has been announced but is not yet available. By early 2026, Renault will start selling a new-generation electric Twingo that will be built in Novo Mesto, Slovenia, along with a similar Dacia model the following year. VW has said that the ID1 will be built at the company's plant in Setubal, Portugal and into production by 2027. A Chinese rival, BYD, will start distributing this spring in Europe a restyled and renamed variant of the Seagull electric minicar it offers in China. It will cost 'well below' €20,000, BYD said. BYD, which is building new car plants in Hungary and Turkey, has not said whether the Seagull will be built in Europe. Battery-electric cars priced at €20,000 have potential but 'convenience, affordability and usability are not quite there for these kinds of vehicles,' Toyota Europe's marketing and product development boss, Andrea Carlucci, said in an interview March 6. Carlucci said that such a car needs to offer usable range and the ability to charge relatively quickly. Toyota Europe Chief Corporate Officer Matthew Harrison said minicars would be the 'most troublesome segment' to electrify 'because accessibility and cost are critical to that buyer.' He said Toyota had no plans to abandon the minicar segment but would take a wait-and-see approach to electrification. 'Let's see where the products from competitors are priced and what they look like from a payment-per-month point of view,' Harrison said. 'We don't want to give up on the A-segment [minicars]; we didn't desert it last time around when many others did, and we are not looking to desert it any time soon,' Harrison said. In recent years Toyota's partners, Citroen and Peugeot, withdrew from a jointly owned plant in Kolin, Czech Republic, that built the Toyota Aygo, Citroen C1 and Peugeot 108 minicars, and canceled future versions of those models. Toyota is expected to add a full-hybrid version to the Aygo X this year. Consumers in Europe should be a 'bit patient' for this powertrain, Nakata said. The Aygo X is Toyota's only high-volume European model without any form of electrification. Last year, 77 percent of Toyota registrations in Western Europe were full hybrids, the company said. The Aygo X is based on a shortened Yaris small-car platform and has CO2 emissions starting at 114 g/km, while the full-hybrid Yaris starts at 96 g/km, company figures show. Minicar sales fell 22 percent in Europe last year to 543,784, according to figures from Dataforce. The Aygo X showed the biggest growth, with sales up 50 percent to 98,723. It ranked second behind the Fiat Panda (120,135) and ahead of the Hyundai i10, at 69,393 sales. Nearly all of the segment's decline came from Fiat's decision to discontinue the ICE-based 500 in midyear, resulting in 41,783 fewer sales, as well as the withdrawal of incentives in France and higher EU tariffs on the China-built Dacia Spring EBV (a loss of 38,115 sales);and 33,458 fewer sales of the Fiat 500e, BEV according to Dataforce. Peter Sigal contributed to this report
