Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris officially unveils the ‘I Am A Climate Hero’ locomotive during his visit to DB Cargo UK’s depot in Toton

Nottinghamshire-based DB Cargo UK announced plans last week to invest £2.6 million in new facilities at its depot in Toton to facilitate the export and import of a new generation of Toyota cars.

The announcement was made during a visit to the site by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris who was on a fact-finding mission to learn more about DB Cargo UK’s innovative use of hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel in its diesel locomotive fleet.

The investment will see the construction of a new vehicle storage compound and associated loading and unloading facilities on a disused section of the site adjacent to the existing paintshop and stores.

Subject to planning approval, new services will start in January 2022 with hybrid Corollas manufactured at Toyota’s Derby plant destined for customers in France and the Czech Republic.

Toyota Aygo, Yaris and the new Yaris+ vehicles will be imported on the return leg, to ensure full utilisation of the new services.

Environmentally-friendly rail logistics solution
DB Cargo UK chief executive Andrea Rossi said: “This is a really exciting collaboration between DB Cargo UK, Toyota and STVA which will breathe new life back into redundant land at our Toton depot.

“It’s a win-win-win for STVA, Toyota and ourselves and will see us deliver an efficient and environmentally-friendly rail logistics solution for one of our most important automotive customers.”

DB Cargo UK is currently the country’s leading transporter of finished automotives. Up to three trains per week are planned to depart from the new facility at Toton, each carrying up to 230 finished cars.

Mr Rossi added: “Each train will carry the equivalent load of around 23 road transporters. Our rail solution will not only reduce congestion on the UK’s road network but will also generate significantly less CO₂ emissions than if they were taken by road.”

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris performed the official unveiling of the newly-named ‘I Am A Climate Hero’ locomotive during his visit to the site.

He said: “We are boosting British business while cutting carbon. This is what ‘building back greener’ is all about. Trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to transport goods and DB Cargo UK is leading the way in making it even greener.”

Leon van der Merwe, vice-president supply chain at Toyota Motor Europe, said: “As a company we are dedicated to making continuous progress towards carbon neutrality, and this includes seeking ways to reduce emissions from manufacturing, vehicle use and logistics.

“By utilising this new rail freight multi modal opportunity, we are helping to ensure our low emission hybrid electric vehicles built at our British Burnaston plant can be transported to our customers in an increasingly sustainable way.”