Toyota is investing in its UK engine plant to support the start of European production of its fifth generation hybrid electric powertrain.
The firm’s factory in Deeside, North Wales, is benefiting from a £465,000 sum to upgrade the assembly line for the 1.8-litre petrol engine featured in the new system.
Toyota’s latest hybrid technology will debut in 2023 in a new Corolla range, including Hatchback and Touring Sports models built at Burnaston in Derbyshire.
Engines from Toyota UK will also be used in the new Corolla Saloon, manufactured in Turkey.
The fifth generation powertrain uses lighter, more compact electric motors and, thanks to improved engine calibration, produces more power and improved performance and drivability.
Both 1.8 and 2.0-litre powertrains will be available, the 1.8 further offering lower CO2 emissions compared to the current system.
In addition, Toyota is investing £70 million in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Poland (TMMP), the European centre for production of the hybrid electric transmission, including motor-generators and electrical components.
The new generation technology replaces the fourth generation hybrid electric system produced by Toyota since 2016.
During this time, the company has accelerated its investment in hybrid technology and seen the overall electrified mix in its total European new car sales increase from 30 to 66 per cent.
Marvin Cooke, Toyota Motor Europe Executive Vice President for Manufacturing, said, “Toyota’s affordable, low emission hybrid electrified vehicles have an important role to play in our pan-European multi-technology strategy, which seeks to help everyone reduce their carbon emissions.
“Hybrid technology now features in 85 and 70% respectively of the engines and transmissions produced at TMUK and TMMP, which is a reflection of the ever-growing customer demand for Toyota hybrid products.”
