Toyota will build new Suzukis in UK factory
TOYOTA will produce a new model for Suzuki in Britain – in a much-needed boost to the car industry.
Despite being business rivals, the Japanese manufacturer said it would build hybrid electric cars on behalf of Suzuki at its site in Burnaston, near Derby.
Electrical components will be imported from Japan, and the engines will be made at the Toyota factory in Wales in the global collaboration deal.
The new Suzuki model – which will be similar to the Toyota Corolla estate – will not generate more jobs and investment. But bosses hope it will help secure the long term future of both factories, which employ around 3,200 in total, by making them more productive.
Marvin Cooke, managing director of Toyota Manufacturing UK welcomed the move, calling it ‘good news’ for the UK plants. Toyota signalled its commitment to Britain two years ago when it invested £240million to upgrade the Burnaston site. But like many of its rivals, the car giant has also made clear its concerns about leaving the EU without a deal.
Mr Cooke said that ‘continued free and frictionless trade and common automotive technical standards will be essential’ to ensure the UK stays competitive in car
Production: The Burnaston factory manufacturing on a global level. Toyota Motor Europe’s deputy managing director Tony Walker told MPs last December that a No Deal Brexit would be ‘disastrous’ for the industry.
Manufacturers are worried about possible tariffs and extra customs checks at the border, and say the delays will wreak havoc with their production line.
Toyota’s announcement comes after Honda revealed last month it will close its Swindon plant in 2021, axing around 3,500 jobs in favour of faster growing markets such as Japan and the US.
But Nissan cited Brexit worries and a slump in diesel sales for its decision to scrap plans to build a new model in Sunderland. And Jaguar Land Rover also said these two factors fuelled its decision to cut 4,500 jobs, mostly in the UK. BMW warned it may shift production of the Mini out of the UK in the case of No Deal.