Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced plans to manufacture the Toyota GR Corolla in the UK from 2026. Created in 2009 based on the vision and under the guidance of then Toyota Motor Corporation executive vice president Akio Toyoda, Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has become the fastest-growing brand in the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio.
The first TGR product – the GR Supra – debuted in 2019. It was followed by the GR Yaris in 2020, the GR86 in 2021 and the GR Corolla in 2022. Each launch has been met with high levels of customer enthusiasm and demand for TGR products has consistently outstripped supply, leading to this decision to expand vehicle production.
The selection of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) as the newest production location for a TGR vehicle reflects Toyota’s efforts to optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible. It also recognises the capability of TMUK, its staff and its supply chain, and the deep motorsport culture and skill base within the UK. Preparations have been underway since 2024, when the team at TMUK and key suppliers were first informed about the project — the first vehicle is scheduled to roll off the production lined in 2026.
Yoshihiro Nakata, Toyota Motor Europe’s president and CEO, said: “We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles in securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. We really appreciate the historical support and recognition of the UK.”
Details related to the markets of sale, volumes and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date.