Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor has started production of the new Auris compact hatchback at its Burnaston plant near Derby, UK.
The carmaker's UK vehicle manufacturing firm Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) (TMUK) has invested about GBP185m for the production of new Auris compact hatchback, which will be available with three engine types like gasoline, hybrid and diesel.
Toyota Motor Europe president and CEO Didier Leroy said that the company chose the UK as the location for its first manufacturing center in Europe 20 years ago and has regularly made significant investments to develop TMUK's operations and expand their capabilities.
"New Auris is at the heart of our European strategy and we expect it to strengthen our sales performance in the family car market," Leroy said.
TMUK is planning to launch the Auris Touring Sports station wagon with the same three engine types in 2013.
TMC's UK vehicle manufacturing firm started its operations in 1992 and invested over GBP2.1bn to produce more than 3.25 million vehicles.
