The next Toyota Auris series will be built in its Derby plant, the company said today as it confirmed intentions first given last year.
The news is also a boost for its Deeside engine plant that supplies the Burnaston assembly plant which exports 85% of production.
Confirmation will safeguard about 3,000 jobs for over five years and shows faith in the Brexit deal being discussed between HM Government and the EU.
Commenting, Wales Shadow Economy Secretary, Russell George, said, “This is great news for the North Wales economy, and a timely vote of confidence in Toyota’s engine plant workers at the Deeside Factory.
“Coming at such a sensitive stage in the Brexit negotiations, this announcement is even more significant.
“Toyota is the latest in a line of big carmakers to commit to building more cars in the UK since the referendum.”
In a statement, Toyota Europe President and CEO John van Zyl said The automaker said free trade was important for the future.
“With around 85% of our UK vehicle production exported to European markets, continued free and frictionless trade between the UK and Europe will be vital for future success.”
The statement did not cover the future of the next Avensis model, which is also assembled in Burnaston and like the Auris it is nearing its replacement cycle.
UK car manufacturing output held steady in January, with just 72 fewer vehicles produced than in the same month last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Output in the month fell by a negligible -0.05% year on year, as 147,481 cars rolled off production lines – effectively maintaining the nine year high set in January 2017.
Exports drove overall volumes, with output for overseas customers rising by 1.5% to a record 119,252 units. This was in line with continued recovery across EU markets and followed the launch of several key global models throughout 2017.
The growth offset a decline in production for the UK market, which fell for the sixth consecutive month, by -6.0% to 28,229, reflecting falling UK business and consumer confidence and confusion over government policies on diesel taxation and air quality plans.
