Toyota Thanks the UK for Support on Auris Production

After two days ago Japanese manufacturer Toyota announced it has began manufacturing the new Auris Hybrid at its UK plants, the carmaker now decided to extend its thanks to the Brits for the support they've shown before and after the decision to build the hybrid on the island was made.

"They helped us in terms of people training for the new technology and also with people development for environmental management," Didier Leroy, Toyota Motor Europe told just-auto.com.

""The government supported training costs at the same level as they can support any other company. Stable industrial relations is one of the key criteria when you consider this kind of big decision and location."

The enw hybrid will be produced by Toyota at two locations in the UK: Burnaston will assemble the vehicle alongside the petrol and diesel Auris and Avensis, while Deeside will be in charge of manufacturing the 1.8-liter Atkinson gasoline engine which goes into the car.

The engine develops 98 bhp and is connected to an electric unit that generates 80 bhp. The configuration allows for a 11.4 second sprint from 0 to 62 mph(100 km/h) and offers a top speed of 112 mph (181 km/h).

Fuel consumption figures rate the Auris hybrid at 74.3 UK mpg (3.8 l/200km), while CO2 emissions revolve around 89 g/km (when equipped with 15-inch wheels).

The Auris Hybrid can run in all-electric mode for distances up to 1.2 miles (1.9 km) at speeds up to 30 mph (48 km/h). It has a starting price of 18,950 pounds (EUR22,150, $27,278).