International confidence in the UK’s automotive sector was bolstered by the recent announcement that Toyota will build its next-generation Auris model at its Burnaston factory in Derbyshire.
Moreover, most of the engines for the new model will be sourced from the company’s Deeside factory in north Wales, helping to secure 3,000 jobs at the two sites. Business Secretary Greg Clark welcomed
the decision during a visit to the factory, where he met the teams that will be working on the new model.
The decision was helped in part by Government investment of more than £20 million (announced last year) to support the upgrade of the facility and the installation of a new production platform to make the plant more competitive and enable it to build more-advanced vehicles.
Mr Clark said: “We have been clear in our commitment to ensuring that the automotive sector continues to go from strength to strength — which is why we established a landmark Automotive Sector Deal that will see us working with industry to put the UK at the forefront of new technologies and future investment decisions.”
Alun Cairns, Secretary of State for Wales, said: “Toyota’s commitment to the UK is an enormous economic boost for Deeside — and Wales as a whole.
“The company has played a crucial role in helping to demonstrate why Wales continues to be a prime location to invest and do business, through its anchor status on Deeside.
“I visited the company’s HQ in Toyota City in Japan last year, where I was encouraged by the long-term approach to investment decisions.”
The UK’s automotive sector continues to thrive; it is currently Europe’s third-largest car producer, and it has the highest productivity among Europe’s automotive-producing nations.
The sector generates £14.6 billion, representing 8.2% of the UK’s total manufacturing gross value added.