Toyota UK Celebrates 3 Million Vehicles Production Milestone

Today is an important day for the British division of Toyota, as the 3 millionth vehicle manufactured in the UK will roll off the assembly line, nearly 18 years after the start of their UK production. The vehicle in question is, in fact, a 1.33 litre Auris, with Stop/ Start technology.

In order to mark this milestone, Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) workers will plant a commemorative tree, that will also be representing the company’s commitment to the environment. The employees will be joined by Heather Wheeler,  MP, South Derbyshire.

“Reaching this milestone shows our commitment to local production here at Burnaston and at our engine plant in North Wales,” Katsunori Kojima, Managing Director, said in a release. “This is a fantastic achievement for us and we are delighted to celebrate this occasion with some of our loyal and committed members who were present at the start of production.”

The first vehicle produced by Toyota in Europe, a Carina E, drove off the Burnaston production line on the 16th December 1992.  Nine years later, in April 2001, TMUK produced its one millionth vehicle, while the two millionth vehicle was manufactured in October 2005.

The branch is currently getting ready to kick off the production of Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive vehicles and engines at the Burnaston and Deeside factories.

The Japanese manufacturer seems to be on the right track, as it has posted good sales numbers, included for the month of May, when Toyota says it sold 162,813 vehicles worldwide, or 6.7 percent more than in the same month last year. The best selling models were Camry and Camry Hybrid (29,295 units), Corolla (26,953 units) and Prius (14,248 units).