F&I Management & Training

Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, will officially launch the start of production of the all-new Auris Hybrid, during a visit to Toyota's Burnaston Plant, Derbyshire, today (28th June, 2010).

During his visit Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable will tour the production lines meeting with workers and management from Toyota's UK and European operations, before witnessing the Auris HSD - Toyota's first Hybrid model to be built in Europe - drive off the end of the production line to mark the official start of production of Toyota's introduction of Hybrid technology into an existing C-segment car.

The event will be attended by an audience of over 300 employees and invited guests including, national and local government, local community, business partners and representatives from the media.

Speaking ahead of today's celebrations, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills stated: "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."

"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."

Didier Leroy, President of Toyota Motor Europe, praised the quality and strength of its UK operations: "The UK has proved to be a valuable business partner. Building on almost 20 years of manufacturing experience, TMUK's team members continue to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the exacting standards of our customers in Europe. A new chapter is opening today as Britain, a traditional origin of industrial innovation, becomes home to the manufacture of the first full hybrid vehicle for Europe."

Mr Katsunori Kojima, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK added: "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. To manufacture a world-class vehicle you need a world-class team and the commitment and dedication of our members has been crucial.

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