Toyota hails UK manufacturing standards as first Auris rolls off the line
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Toyota has praised the "superior quality and efficiency" of UK manufacturing as the first Auris rolled off the line at its Burnaston plant.
Totoya chief Didier Leroy praised local workers following a £185million investment in delivering the model on these shores.
Leroy was joined by business secretary Vince Cable at the Auris launch event, which marked the 20th anniversary of Toyota Manufacturing in the UK.
Leroy, president and CEO Toyota Motor Europe, 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."
He added: "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."
The Auris has created 800 jobs at Toyota UK with all recruits offered a Toyota production apprenticeship. The Auris hatchback and Touring Sports estate car will be made at Burnaston, which has built over 3m cars since opening in 1992.
Toyota's decision to build the Auris in the UK was hailed a significant milestone by Vince Cable.
He said:"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."
Tony Walker, TMUK deputy managing director, added: "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."
