According the The Sunday Times, the introduction into the UK of the new vehicle comes as a result of negotiations between Toyota and the local government. In words we all can understand, Toyota may get state money to produce the Auris in the UK.
Of course, so far no official confirmation on the matter has come from neither side. Still, the same source says the official announcement will be made in the next few months, as premier Gordon Brown is expected to visit the Burnaston facility shortly.
As for the Auris Hybrid, it is expected it will share much of the technology with the Prius. Still, analysts expect it will cost less than the Prius, both because it will be smaller and less equipped than its cousin.
Last week, Toyota received R&D money to be used in the development or implementation of alternative fueled vehicles. UK's Technology Strategy Board will fund Toyota, to support the trial and testing of up to 20 plug-in hybrids.
Toyota's plug-in to be used in the trial is powered by a lithium-ion battery capable of increasing the range of the vehicle in electric mode. The car will enter the trial in 2010 in London and will be tested for up to three years.
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