Friday 21st November is an important milestone in Toyota UK’s strategy with the production launch of the new Toyota Avensis at Toyota’s Derbyshire site at Burneston.
The Rt Hon. Geoff Hoon MP, Secretary of State for Transport, has been invited to oversee the launch and will take the opportunity to tour the plant and meet the production line workers and managers.
Production at Burneston further enhances Toyota’s commitment to car manufacturing in the country, and spends almost £2bn a year with UK-based suppliers.
The Avensis, which has been part of the Japanese manufacturer’s line-up since 1997, with feature Toyota’s innovative ‘Toyota Optimal Drive’ and will enjoy reduced CO2 emissions in comparison to the previous generation.
Mr Katsunori Kojima, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK added: “Our world class team here in the UK continues to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the demands of our customers. In challenging economic conditions, the new generation Avensis offers customers advanced fuel saving technologies, reduced emissions, as well as enhanced levels of safety. This truly reflects our commitment to delivering the right cars, for the right place, at the right time.”
Speaking ahead of the visit, The Secretary of State for Transport said: “The investment Toyota has made in this new model is a real vote of confidence in both the workers at the Burnaston and Deeside plants and in the future of car manufacturing in the UK. The start of production marks a confident new chapter for the company, which is particularly important in these challenging times, but it also represents a vital boost for local jobs and the regional economy.”
Toyota hopes to sell 115,000 units of the Avensis in Europe during 2009.
