Secretary Of State For Transport Launches UK Production Of The All-New Toyota Avensis

BURNASTON, UNITED KINGDOM – November 21, 2008: The Rt Hon. Geoff Hoon MP, Secretary of State for Transport, will officially launch the start of production of the all-new Avensis, during a visit to Toyota’s Burnaston Plant, Derbyshire, today (21 November, 2008).

During his visit, the Secretary of State for Transport will tour the Avensis production lines meeting with workers and management from Toyota’s UK and European operations, before witnessing the Avensis – Toyota’s flagship model for Europe – drive off the end of the production line to mark the official start of production of Toyota’s new D-segment car.

The event will be attended by an audience of over 300 employees and invited guests including, Avensis suppliers, Unite the Union, local government, local community and representatives from the media.

Speaking ahead of the visit, The Secretary of State for Transport said: “The investment Toyota has made in this new model is a real vote of confidence in both the workers at the Burnaston and Deeside plants and in the future of car manufacturing in the UK. The start of production marks a confident new chapter for the company, which is particularly important in these challenging times, but it also represents a vital boost for local jobs and the regional economy.”

The event was also welcomed by The Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson, who added: “The automotive sector plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the UK economy. Our car industry has a highly skilled workforce and is one of the most efficient and productive in the world. Today’s launch of the new Avensis by Toyota demonstrates the company’s commitment to the UK. This level of commitment is vital if the UK is to remain a key competitive player in the global market. During these tough times, the government will continue to work closely with companies, like Toyota, to secure future investment and ensure that the UK remains the location of choice for manufacturers, however large or small."

Mr Katsunori Kojima, Managing Director of Toyota Manufacturing UK added: “Our world class team here in the UK continues to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the demands of our customers. In challenging economic conditions, the new generation Avensis offers customers advanced fuel saving technologies, reduced emissions, as well as enhanced levels of safety. This truly reflects our commitment to delivering the right cars, for the right place, at the right time.”

The production of Avensis in the UK is further evidence of Toyota’s commitment to building cars close to customers. Across Europe, Toyota has invested over €7 billion and continues to spend over €5 billion each year with suppliers in Europe- €2 billion of which is with UK suppliers. The introduction of the new Avensis will represent an annual spend of over £500 million with UK business partners.

The all-new Avensis has been designed at Toyota’s European Design Development Centre, ED2, in the south of France. Building on the success of the previous two models, the third generation brings new levels of superior quality, dynamic handling and refined ride comfort to Toyota’s European flagship model.

The model’s 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol engines will be produced by Toyota’s plant in Deeside, North Wales, while the 2.0-litre Valvematic will be built in Japan. Toyota’s plants in Poland (TMIP and TMMP) will manufacture the 2.0- and 2.2-litre D-4D diesel engines and new 6-speed automatic transmission – a first for a Toyota diesel passenger car in Europe.

The all-new Avensis will contribute to reduce Toyota’s CO2 fleet average. It comes equipped with ‘Toyota Optimal Drive’, a new concept that assures innovative environmental solutions, which deliver a powerful balance of reduced fuel consumption, low CO2 emissions and uncompromised driving pleasure.

Active and passive safety levels are brought to a higher level thanks to new safety features. In addition to seven airbags, active front seat headrests are introduced to reduce whiplash injuries in rear end collisions. Additional safety technologies include: Vehicle Stability Control (VSC+), a Pre-Crash Safety (PSC) system, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The all-new Avensis will be available in two body shapes – saloon and wagon – both offering a powerful, athletic and sleek stance. Four equipment grade levels will appeal to a broad spectrum of customers. Avensis sales will start in January 2009 with an annual European sales target of 115,000 units in keeping with current market conditions. Avensis will also be launched in Africa, Central & South America and Oceania.

Toyota Manufacturing UK is the sole global production centre for the Avensis. Since the first generation model was launched in 1997, over 1.45 million Avensis vehicles have driven off the production line at the Burnaston Plant.