Toyota hits the ten million hybrid milestone less than a year after hitting 9 million.

• Over Three Million Hybrids Sold in the U.S.

Toyota announced today that it has achieved more than 10 million cumulative units of hybrid vehicle (HV) sales, including plug-in hybrids, as of January 31. The latest milestone was achieved just nine months after total sales reached 9 million units at the end of April 2016.

Toyota Motor North America also saw its sales of hybrids and plug-in hybrids reach a cumulative total, exceeding three million units as of December 31, 2016.

“The Prius stands as an icon for sustainability and efficiency, and is a shining example of what you can achieve when you have the right idea to help solve a problem,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor North America. 

“Hybrids remain an important part of our lineup of vehicles, with over 246,000 units sold last year, and we have seen continued demand with the release of the RAV4 Hybrid variant of the popular compact SUV, accounting for nearly 13 percent of its total sales volume in 2016.”

Takeshi Uchiyamada, known as the father of the Prius and co-chairman of the Board of Directors at Toyota said, “When we launched Prius, no one even knew what a hybrid was, but, thanks to early adopters, hybrids have ridden a wave of success into the mainstream.” He added, “We are grateful to each and every one of our customers who have helped us achieve this important [global] milestone.”

As of January 31, Toyota estimates that the use of Toyota’s hybrid vehicles, as an alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles of similar size and driving performance has resulted in approximately 77 million fewer tons of CO2 emissions and has saved approximately 7.66 million gallons of gasoline (29 million kiloliters).

More than a numerical milestone, the results demonstrate the staying power of hybrid powertrain technology, which has emerged as a mainstream solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Toyota values activities to help reduce the environmental effects of automobiles.  This achievement builds on the belief that widespread adoption of more environmentally-friendly vehicles can make a significant positive impact worldwide.

The UK hits a 17 year high for exports with Jaguar Land Rover leading the UK Charge.

1.7 million cars built in the UK in 2016, an increase of 8.5% and the highest output for 17 years. Exports at record levels for second consecutive year as more than 1.35 million cars shipped worldwide. More than one in two cars exported to Europe, our single biggest trading partner, with demand up 7.5%. Growth driven by multi billion pound investments in previous years – not post Brexit bounce.

UK car production achieved a 17-year high in 2016, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  1,722,698 vehicles rolled off production lines last year from some 15 manufacturers,1 an 8.5% uplift on total production in 2015 – and the highest output since 1999.2 More cars are now being exported from Britain than ever before, the result of investments made over recent years in world-class production facilities, cutting-edge design and technology and one of Europe’s most highly skilled and productive workforces.  Ten brand new car models began production in the UK last year, nine of them from premium brands which has helped make the UK the second biggest producer of premium cars after Germany and the third biggest car producer in Europe.3   Total committed investment announcements in the automotive sector in 2016 were approximately £1.66 billion across a number of companies. This figure is down from  £2.5 billion in 2015. Production growth was predominantly driven by overseas demand, with global appetite for British-built cars rising by 10.3% to an all-time high of 1,354,216 – a second consecutive annual record. Around eight out of every 10 cars manufactured in the UK is now exported, bound for one of 160 markets worldwide. It was continuing economic recovery across Europe, however, that accounted for the bulk of the growth. Exports to the rest of the EU grew 7.5% to 758,680 and accounted for more than half of all UK car exports.  Furthermore, Europe supplies the majority of components within UK-built vehicles, underlining the critical importance of tariff and barrier-free trade to future UK automotive production. Growth was strong across a number of markets, notably the US – the UK’s biggest export destination after the EU – where demand rose by almost half (47.2%) meaning it now accounts for around 14.5% of all UK car exports.  Notable uplifts were also seen in Turkey, Japan and Canada whilst China, third on the list of export markets, grew by a more modest 3.1% with 88,610 vehicles exported last year. Domestic demand for UK built cars also grew last year, up 2.4% in the year, and the UK remains the second largest car market in Europe, again after Germany.4 One in seven new cars registered by UK buyers is now made in Britain, up from one in eight three years ago. Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The tremendous growth in UK production is testament to the global competitiveness of the UK automotive sector.  High class engineering, advanced technology and a workforce committed to quality have helped turn around the industry, making the UK among the most productive places in Europe to make cars.  Significant investment in new plants and products over the past few years has driven this growth, not a post-Brexit bounce. We want trade deals but they must be the right deals, not rushed deals. Failure to do so could damage UK automotive manufacturing beyond repair.” 1. The UK’s 15 manufacturing plants are owned by a range of independent and multi-national-owned companies: Aston Martin (Gaydon); Bentley (Crewe); Caterham (Dartford); Honda (Swindon); Jaguar Land Rover (Castle Bromwich, Solihull, Halewood); Lotus (Norwich); McLaren (Woking); Mini (Oxford); Morgan (Malvern); Nissan (Sunderland); Rolls Royce (Goodwood); Toyota (Burnaston); Vauxhall (Ellesmere Port). 2. 1,799,004 cars were produced in the UK in 1999. 3. New UK models starting production in 2016: Aston Martin DB11; Bentley Bentayga; Jaguar F-Pace; Infiniti Q30; Infiniti QX30; Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible; McLaren 540; McLaren 570; Rolls Royce Dawn; Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. 4. ACEA data for 2016.

Toyota celebrates 50 years of UK sales and production, the oldest unbroken history in the UK

In 1965 Toyota made a modest entry into the UK car market, its arrival marked by a small four-car stand at that year’s motor show. Today, Toyota has not only sold almost three million vehicles in Britain, it builds them here, too.

Although a great deal has changed, there remains a constant theme in Toyota’s business that is as true today as it was 50 years ago, as Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota (GB) President and Managing Director, explained: “Toyota entered the UK market with the aim of providing better cars and better service, even if those weren’t the words used back then. But ever since, Toyota has stood out for giving the customer something better – better equipment, better reliability and better service.”

Pride and Clark was the original UK importer and distributor, a South London family firm that launched its enterprise after John Pride travelled to the Far East to see the developing Japanese car industry for himself. His faith in Toyota was shared by a handful of car retailers who set up the first Toyota showrooms, at first with just a single model line – Corona – to offer their customers.

Business prospered as the range of vehicles grew, not least with introduction of the first Corolla in 1966. The name Toyota (GB) Ltd was adopted in 1967 and by 1980 200,000 cars had been sold, securing its position as a leading player in Britain’s car market.

Nine years later Toyota announced the UK as the location for a European manufacturing centre. Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire and Deeside engine factory in North Wales came on stream in 1992 and have benefited from more than £2 billion investment in technology, skills and jobs. They continue to provide valuable opportunities for more than 200 supplier businesses.

TMUK also has the distinction of being the Toyota’s first hybrid vehicle manufacturing centre in Europe, building Auris Hybrid models since 2010.

Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director, said: “All the work we have done so far has created a solid foundation for the future. The next exciting step for TMUK is to develop our skills ready for the adoption of TNGA – Toyota New Global Architecture. It’s not just about new products, it’s a new approach to making them. We have plenty of work ahead of us to be ready to adopt the new way of working by the end of the decade, but I strongly believe that, as the last 25 years have shown, we will be ready.”

In its 50^th year in the UK, Toyota has already launched new Avensis and Auris models – all built at Burnaston. Later this year it will also begin marketing the first of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell vehicles here, opening a new chapter in zero emissions driving with technology the drivers of those first Corona saloons could never have imagined.

While Toyota’s focus is on the future and the development of ever-better cars, it honours the achievements of some its influential models of the past in a heritage fleet, maintained by Toyota (GB). The classic line-up includes an original Corona saloon, the famous Corolla AE86 that helped inspire today’s GT86 coupe, a first-generation RAV4 and one of the earliest British-built models, a 1992-vintage Carina E.

Facts from 50 years of Toyota in the UK

• In 1965 the Corona wasn’t big, it wasn’t flashy, but it was the first Toyota to be sold officially in the UK.
• Pride and Clark were once a leading name in motorcycle sales and parts, then this South London firm made it big with cars as Toyota’s official UK importer.
• Clocking up 50 years makes Toyota the Japanese car maker with the longest unbroken history in the UK.
• 1967: the year of peace, love and the introduction of the name Toyota (GB) Ltd.
• Today we are 100 per cent a Toyota-owned business, but from 1978 to the turn of the century, Toyota (GB) was part of the Inchcape Group.
• Toyota models are made all over the world and any that are shipped for sale in the UK enter the country down Bristol way, at Portbury Docks or through Grimsby.
• Pierre Fox was a wily businessman – he opened Toyota’s first franchised dealership in the UK, Fox’s Toyota, near Orpington in Kent.
• Our HQ building near Epsom was purpose-built – people say it looks a bit like Tracy Island. We moved in in 2000 along with our colleagues from Toyota Financial Services.
• The new millennium saw Toyota (GB) PLC become completely owned by Toyota Motor Corporation.
• We don’t sell Corolla here any more, but it’s still the most popular model range we’ve put in our showrooms, with more than 560,000 sold between 1966 and 2008.
• Yaris is bidding to surpass Corolla’s achievement; it is our best-selling current model, racking up more than 485,000 sales since 1999.
• Our silver jubilee didn’t feature a street party; instead we hosted a charity ball at the Grosvenor House Hotel, in the presence of the Princess Royal.
• If you want to judge us by our market performance we can tell you Toyota took a 3.8 per cent share of UK new car sales last year. Add in Lexus and the figure is 4.3 per cent.
• We’ve sponsored and supported all kinds of groups, individuals and organisations over the years, among them a jockey, a youth orchestra and an aerobatic team. This year we’re even giving a helping hand to a testicle-shaped balloon promoting men’s health awareness.
• A silver coach line and specially embroidered seat upholstery: the 500 special edition Carina models launched to mark Toyota’s silver jubilee in the UK looked the part.
• Toyota has been making vehicles in the UK since 1992 when we opened our engine factory at Deeside in North Wales and Burnaston car plant in Derbyshire. They are both operated by Toyota Manufacturing UK – TMUK to its friends.
• The first British-built Toyota was the Carina E, predecessor of today’s Avensis. And the E? That’s for Excellence in Europe.
• Proud fact: Toyota selected the UK as the location for its (and the motor industry’s) first hybrid vehicle production centre in Europe. The original Auris Hybrid was first produced here in 2010.
• Did anyone mention Lexus? It’s been part of Toyota GB’s responsibility since we launched the marque here in 1990.
• We are grass roots green, having forged a UK-first partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to re-landscape our HQ and factory sites to promote plant and wildlife diversity.
• Remember 2007? We do, that’s the year we achieved our highest UK sales figures (so far), with more than 143,000 Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold.
• Britain did its bit for helping the Toyoda family achieve their vehicle manufacturing dreams. The sale of its automatic loom technology to Platt Brothers of Oldham in 1929 brought in the money it needed to set up in the auto business.
• Owzat? We’re doing our bit to help bring home the Ashes this summer as an official partner to the England and Wales Cricket Board.
•  We like a laugh and we believe in helping others. Toyota (GB) joined its dealer network, Toyota Manufacturing UK and other UK-based Toyota businesses as an official partner to Red Nose Day in 2015, raising more than £700,000 for Comic Relief.
• Toyota is a big player in British car manufacturing. All the Avensis models and all the Auris hatchbacks and wagons are made at the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.
• A detailed search for the oldest UK-registered Toyota has come up with two original Corona saloons, still on the road and nearing 50 years old.

We’ve raced and rallied with great success, including BTCC championships with both Corolla and Carina.

Toyota to launch TWO new cars from Burnaston at the same tie, a UK first for the marque.

Burnaston factory achieves unprecedented simultaneous start of production for new Auris and Avensis

• Toyota Manufacturing UK meets the challenge of planning and delivering two new models at the same time
• Strategic planning and commitment of workforce and suppliers help meet a challenge unprecedented in Toyota outside Japan

It was an unprecedented ask: plan, build and deliver not one, but two new models at the same time. Toyota Manufacturing UK has proved itself up to the challenge, completing the simultaneous start of production of new Auris and Avensis at its Burnaston car plant.

Preparations for this exceptional programme began back in 2013, as plans for significant changes to both the vehicle ranges were put in place. 

Thanks to precision planning, the skills and commitment of the workforce and the support of dozens of suppliers, Burnaston has pulled off the feat.

At its most crucial point, the Derbyshire factory had to accelerate from building zero to 800 of the new cars a day, in the space of just 10 days.

The situation was all the more complex, because all versions of both cars – models at the heart of Toyota’s European sales – are built on the same production line, by the same teams, all the way from the press, through welding, paint shop and assembly. 

That includes Avensis saloons, Auris hatchbacks and Touring Sports wagon body styles of both models, with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines.

Jon Corpe, TMUK’s project manager, said: “Normally, as production of an outgoing model slows down, the build of the new one takes over on the line to compensate, so the number of cars leaving the plant is fairly consistent. 

In this case, production of both models came to an end at the same time. We had to be sure we could meet global demand for the new cars immediately.”

Burnaston was in fact ready to build its first examples of the new models last December, with an initial 91 coming off the line for use in training, testing and product evaluation.

Members of the workforce prepared for the new vehicles with training in Japan and Brussels and 12  gained the fundamental knowledge about the products to become TMUK “master trainers”.

Tony Walker, TMUK Deputy Managing Director, said: “Our people are very experienced, the average length of service is 12 years, so they were absolutely ready to take on something like this. New Auris and Avensis take us up to nine new model launches since Burnaston came on stream in 1992, with a similar number of ‘minor change’ programmes as well.”

As well as the people skills, new equipment and ways of working had to be put in place throughout the plant, as Jon Corpe explained: “Press, weld and paint shops have new tooling and jigs to support body manufacture and painting, and the substantial number of improvements to the vehicle, in areas such as safety and handling, require additional parts and processes.

“But the greatest level of change is in the plastics and assembly shops. In plastics, most of the processes have been affected, calling for new moulds and great deal of new tooling and equipment, and half the assembly processes are new as well.”

Add to this three new engines and a full powertrain upgrade to Euro 6 emissions standards and you have yet more changes to make. The introduction of Toyota Safety Sense preventive safety features even called for a redesign of Burnaston’s vehicle test track.

Success also relied on TMUK’s many suppliers all being ready to supply the necessary number of new parts, all validated for quality and performance, right on time.

With start of production secure, the focus now moves to the new models reaching the road. New Avensis is on sale now, with deliveries starting later this month; order books open for new Auris on 1 July, with first deliveries from September.

Toyota is pleased to announce it has beaten the £1,000,000 mark for the NSPCC.

Toyota Manufacturing UK has reach its target of raising £1 million for the NSPCC, money which has been put to good use in projects supporting children in the regions around its factories in Derbyshire and North Wales.

Toyota launched its partnership with the charity in 2006, raising money through company and employee fund-raising initiatives. Since 2008, donations have been made by the Toyota Manufacturing UK Charitable Trust, taking the total raised so far to £1,015,286.

Toyota’s contribution has helped the NSPCC Schools Service reach more than 15,000 primary school children in Derbyshire and, since 2013, more than 1,650 in Flintshire. 

The money has helped the service meet its target of reaching 1.7 million children across the UK with advice and information on understanding abuse, giving them confidence and courage to speak out and seek help should they ever need it.

TMUK celebrated the efforts of its workforce in reaching the charity milestone with a children’s tea party-themed event attended by schoolchildren and ChildLine volunteers local to its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, was also among the guests. He said: “On behalf of the NSPCC, I’d like to thank the inspiring team at Toyota for their incredible support, which enables to make a real difference to the lives of local children. Like us, Toyota believes every childhood is worth fighting for. 

Their support will help us protect a generation of local children.”

Tony Walker, a trustee of the charitable trust, said: “The NSPCC does fantastic work to stop cruelty to children and making a real different to the lives of vulnerable young people in our local communities. 

It is with great pleasure that we are able to celebrate the result of nine years of fund-raising by TMUK members – the donation of more than £1 million to the NSPCC.”

UK MARCH SALES - TOYOTA - Near double digit growth, and great fleet sales keep Toyota flying.

• 30,210 Toyota cars sold in the first three months of 2015, a nine per cent increase on 2014’s performance
• Growth in volume well ahead of the overall UK market results
• Significant increase in fleet sales, led by Yaris and Auris hybrids
• New Aygo claims more than 10 per cent of the city car segment
• Prius+ and Verso push MPV sales higher

Cars sold, numbers crunched, results analysed: sales figures from the first three months of the year show Toyota sales on the up, rising at an even faster rate than the UK’s healthy new car market.

The total of 30,210 new Toyotas reaching Britain’s roads marks a nine per cent increase on the brand’s performance in the same period last year. The growth rate is well ahead of the total car market, which grew 6.8 per cent.

Increasingly strong fleet sales are a major contributor to Toyota’s success, led by the performance of Yaris Hybrid and the British-built Auris Hybrid models. More and more businesses and company car drivers are turning to Toyota hybrids to gain the significant cost benefits delivered by the technology’s low emissions, strong fuel economy, proven reliability and low maintenance costs. Toyota hybrids are also appreciated by business motorists for their smooth, refined and comfortable performance – particularly valued by those who regularly face long-distance journeys.

Yaris Hybrid’s fleet sales rose 18.2 per cent on 2014’s results and those for the Auris Hybrid hatch by 31.3 per cent. The Auris Hybrid Touring Sports wagon increased sales by almost a quarter. Overall, hybrid sales represent 24 per cent of total Toyota sales so far in 2015.

New Aygo has established itself as a top-three performer in the fiercely competitive city car market. With sales volume up by more than 37 per cent, it is currently claiming more than 10 per cent of overall segment sales, helped by its sharp styling and great choice of personalisation features.

Toyota’s MPV’s are also prospering, with Verso boosted by the introduction of its new 1.6 D-4D diesel engine and Prius+ reinvigorated by its styling and equipment revisions for 2015. As a consequence, Verso Q1 sales have climbed almost 17 per cent and Prius+ by more than 25 per cent.

GENEVA - Toyota launches three distinctive new cars at Geneva.

Toyota takes the wraps off new versions of its British-built Auris and Avensis at the Geneva motor show on Tuesday 3 March and reveals the new 1.2T turbo petrol engine that will make its debut in Auris this year.

It also presents the production-ready Mirai fuel cell saloon that will be introduced in the UK and other selected European markets later in 2015.

New Auris

The Auris range of hatchbacks and Touring Sports wagons has been extensively revised for 2015 to increase its appeal to a wider range of customers. The engine line-up in particular has been redrawn with the introduction of the new 1.2T turbo petrol unit and a new 1.6-litre D-4D diesel. The established 1.4 D-4D diesel has been substantially upgraded to give improved emissions and fuel economy.

Auris remains unique in its class in being available with full hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains. Where hybrid is concerned, the smooth, refined, reliable and highly efficient Toyota system has sealed its status as a mainstream rather than niche choice, powering more than 50 per cent of all new Auris sold in western Europe in 2014.

All Auris powertrains now meet Euro 6 emissions standards.

Auris further gains refreshed exterior and interior styling. In the cabin the focus is on higher levels of ensory quality, using premium quality trims and finishes. Additional measures to reduce NVH levels have been taken and detail adjustments to steering and suspension have improved handling, comfort and driver involvement.

New Avensis

The new Avensis – saloon and Touring Sports – has been conceived as a model that can meet the demands of private buyers for more prestige and luxury and fleet/business users’ priorities for extra sportiness and style.

Toyota’s programme of improvements thus focuses on five main areas: styling, sensory quality, safety, equipment/value for money and driving pleasure/running costs.

Avensis benefits from new exterior styling, including the adoption of new LED lamp technology, while the cabin is all-new, with higher levels of quality and comfort and new colour-ways. Where safety is concerned, Avensis adopts the new Toyota Safety Sense package across the range.

A new equipment grade structure promises class-leading equipment levels and wider use of advanced technologies, including a new eight-inch multimedia screen.

Like Auris, the engine line-up becomes fully Euro 6 compliant, with two new D-4D diesel units and significant improvements to the efficiency of the established Valvematic petrol engines.

1.2 turbo petrol engine

Toyota’s all-new, direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine makes its debut in new Auris, part of a programme of 14 new engine introductions Toyota is making globally between April 2014 and the end of this year.

The four-cylinder unit, like the 1.0-litre engine that powers new Aygo, is able to switch between different operating cycles to achieve optimum efficiency or performance, according to driving conditions.

Compact and lightweight, it produces 114bhp and 185Nm of torque, giving 0 – 62mph acceleration in 10.1 seconds. Provisional (pre-homologation) data indicate combined cycle fuel economy of 60.1mpg with 109g/km CO₂ emissions.

Mirai fuel cell saloon

Mirai, Toyota’s ground-breaking hydrogen fuel cell saloon, is being shown in Europe for the first time in full production guise. Its arrival follows its market launch in Japan late last year and precedes its staged introduction in the UK and other selected European markets from around September this year.