Innovation UK > News > Innovation News > Hybrid reaches mass production

Business Secretary Vince Cable has officially launched the production of the first Toyota Auris Hybrid cars, which went on sale yesterday.

This is the first fully hybrid mass produced car in Europe and its engine is the first hybrid engine to be manufactured outside Japan, in North Wales at Toyota's Deeside plant. The Auris Hybrid is a step towards UK manufacturers transitioning to low carbon transport.

?It is a proud day for Toyota Manufacturing UK as we celebrate the official start of production of the Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive, yet another premium quality model to be built in Britain,? said Katsunori Kojima, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK,

?As a model sustainable plant for Toyota in Europe, we will truly be an eco plant with eco-minded people building eco cars.?

With two plants producing the Auris Hybrid, 400 jobs in the UK are safe.

?Toyota?s decision to make Burnaston the only plant in the world to build the Hybrid Auris is a strong endorsement of the UK as a manufacturing base for the next generation of cars,? said Business Secretary Vince Cable. ?It is sending a signal to manufacturers that if you?re not in the UK, then you?re missing out on all the strengths and skills that the UK has to offer.?

Natasha Moore