Photo: Toyota
In 1965 Toyota, made a shy debut on the UK car market. Back then, the Japanese company's arrival was marked by a small four-car stand at that year’s motor show.
But, can you guess what car was the first Toyota model sold in the UK? Well, it was the Corolla, something that doesn't surprise us given the fact that from its debut, the sedan was sold in 40 million units (milestone reached in 2013).
A lot happened in half a century for Toyota, and the UK market has gradually gained importance for the Japanese brand. Although the Corolla is not sold in the UK anymore, the Yaris is keen on taking Corolla’s achievement.
At this moment, the Yaris is Toyota's best-selling model, with more than 485,000 units sold since 1999.
What about Lexus, you might wonder? Well, Toyota's luxury brand has been part of Toyota GB’s responsibility since the marque was launched on UK soil, in 1990. In addition, last year, Toyota took a 3.8 percent share of UK new car sales. If you throw Lexus sales in the mix, the figure jumps to 4.3 percent.
Regarding car production, the first British-built Toyota was the Carina E (from 1992 to 1998), predecessor of today’s Avensis but nowadays, all the Avensis models and all the Auris hatchbacks and wagons are made at the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.
“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,” said Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota UK President and Managing Director.
For more trivia on Toyota's presence on the UK market feel free to check out the press release below.
A lot happened in half a century for Toyota, and the UK market has gradually gained importance for the Japanese brand. Although the Corolla is not sold in the UK anymore, the Yaris is keen on taking Corolla’s achievement.
At this moment, the Yaris is Toyota's best-selling model, with more than 485,000 units sold since 1999.
What about Lexus, you might wonder? Well, Toyota's luxury brand has been part of Toyota GB’s responsibility since the marque was launched on UK soil, in 1990. In addition, last year, Toyota took a 3.8 percent share of UK new car sales. If you throw Lexus sales in the mix, the figure jumps to 4.3 percent.
Regarding car production, the first British-built Toyota was the Carina E (from 1992 to 1998), predecessor of today’s Avensis but nowadays, all the Avensis models and all the Auris hatchbacks and wagons are made at the Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.
“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,” said Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota UK President and Managing Director.
For more trivia on Toyota's presence on the UK market feel free to check out the press release below.
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