Toyota has confirmed it will start making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in Britain from next year.
The world’s biggest carmaker said that production of the hybrid Auris would start at its factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire, in mid-2010, safeguarding 400 jobs.
Engines will be produced at Toyota's facility in Deeside, North Wales.
The Auris hybrid will share the 1.8liter gasoline engine and electric motor with the new Prius, which has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any five-seater car, at 89g per kilometer, and an official average fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg U.K.
Toyota’s UK operations began production in 1992 and employ about 4,100 workers.
The plant has produced over 2.5 million vehicles to-date, including the Carina E, Corolla, Avensis and Auris, for sale in Europe and export overseas.
The Toyota Auris hit the European market place in spring 2007. Since then, it has sold over 370,000 vehicles. Under the new Toyota Optimal Drive technology, Auris now comes equipped with a 1.33-litre dual VVT-i engine and Toyota’s Start&Stop technology, reducing CO2 emissions by 17% (135 g/km) and improving fuel consumption by 19% (48.7 mpg UK).
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