UK-built hybrid debuts
September 2nd, 2009 by Richard Aucock
TOYOTA will show its full hybrid Auris model at the Frankfurt Motor Show, in a ‘milestone’ for the firm.
The model will take centre stage – prior to production starting at Toyota’s Derby plant in mid-2010.
It’s a massively significant car for Toyota. It is the first time full hybrid technology has come to a mainstream model.
It represents the expansion of hybrid power from relative ‘niche’ vehicles such as the Prius, into volume sellers like the Auris.
For the UK to secure production of the futuristic new model is thus a real coup.
Lord Mandelson was on hand to celebrate the factory announcement back in July. Since production of the Auris started at Burnaston in 2007, 370,000 vehicles have been sold.
The plant employs 4100 workers – a total that may well expand if the new vehicle really takes off.
Toyota car dealers should be rightly excited. In less than a year, they could have the first volume hybrid model on the market to sell…
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