Toyota to invest £240 million to upgrade Burnaston plant near Derby

JAPANESE carmaker Toyota is to invest £240 million to upgrade Burnaston plant near Derby.

The car manufacturer has said the investment will boost competitiveness and promote the use of locally built components.

1

But the firm, which currently builds its Auris hatchback and family Avensis car at the plant in the north of England, warned continued tariff-free access to the European single market remained crucial as Britain leaves the EU.

"Our investment demonstrates that, as a company, we are doing all we can to raise the competitiveness of our Burnaston plant in Derbyshire," President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe Dr Johan van Zyl said.

"Continued tariff-and-barrier free market access between the UK and Europe that is predictable and uncomplicated will be vital for future success."

MOST READ IN NEWS

URGENT MANHUNT

Cops share CCTV in hunt for man who 'kissed young boy after following him’

BRUTAL END

Moment calm killer flees home to buy custard slice after murdering son's partner

MAPPED OUT

Map shows UK’s unemployment crisis with 1.7M on benefits…does your town feature?

GRIM END

Evil couple who sent macabre texts before killing & dismembering woman are jailed

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world and Toyota’s decision to invest £240 million upgrading its Burnaston plant is a further boost to the UK auto sector. I also welcome the prospect of investment to take Toyota New Global Architecture into the supply chain.

“Toyota is one of the world’s largest car producers and this inward investment underlines the company’s faith in its employees and will help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Toyota models to be made in the UK.

“As we prepare to leave the EU, this Government is committed through our Industrial Strategy to ensuring the UK remains one of the best places in the world to do business and we are able to help businesses seize on economic opportunities.”

For the latest news on this story keep checking back at Sun Online, where we will bring you live updates as soon as they happen, before anyone else.
Like us on Facebook at , and follow us from our main Twitter account at , where we will bring you this story and all the rest of the top news and exclusives of the day.
is your go to destination for the best celebrity news, football news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video