Transport Secretary launches Toyota Avensis production

The Secretary of State said: “The investment Toyota has made in this new model is a real vote of confidence in both the workers at the Burnaston and Deeside plants and in the future of car manufacturing in the UK. The start of production marks a confident new chapter for the company, which is particularly important in these challenging times, but it also represents a vital boost for local jobs and the regional economy.” The production of Avensis in the UK is seen as evidence of Toyota’s commitment to building cars close to customers. The introduction of the new model will represent an annual spend of over £500 million with UK business partners. The car was designed at Toyota’s European design development centre in the south of France. Toyota Manufacturing UK is the sole global production centre for the Avensis. Since the first generation model was launched in 1997, over 1.45 million Avensis vehicles have driven off the production line at Burnaston.