Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, will officially launch the start of production of the all-new Auris Hybrid at Toyota’s Burnaston Plant, Derbyshire, today (28th June, 2010).
The event will be attended by an audience of over 300 employees and invited guests including, national and local government, local community, business partners and representatives from the media.
Speaking ahead of today’s celebrations, Dr Vince Cable MP stated: "Toyota’s decision to make Burnaston the only plant in the world to build the Hybrid Auris is a strong endorsement of the UK as a manufacturing base for the next generation of cars."
"It is sending a signal to manufacturers that if you’re not in the UK, then you’re missing out on all the strengths and skills that the UK has to offer."
Didier Leroy, President of Toyota Motor Europe, praised the quality and strength of its UK operations: "The UK has proved to be a valuable business partner. Building on almost 20 years of manufacturing experience, TMUK’s team members continue to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the exacting standards of our customers in Europe. A new chapter is opening today as Britain, a traditional origin of industrial innovation, becomes home to the manufacture of the first full hybrid vehicle for Europe."
