Friday 21st November, two new Avensis models rolled off the line at Toyota's Burnaston Plant in Derbyshire, marking the official start of production of the firm's new European flagship model.
The Burnaston Plant will produce the Avensis in body types, sedan and wagon, to support an annual European sales target of 115,000 vehicles. Designed, engineered and built in Europe, the all-new Avensis will also be launched in Africa, Central & South America, as well as in Oceania. Sales of both shapes of the Avensis will begin across Europe from January 2009.
The Avensis' 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. The Japanese firm's plants in Poland (TMIP and TMMP) will manufacture the 2.0 and 2.2 litre D-4D diesel engines and the new 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0 litre D4-D engine is expected to be the biggest seller in the UK.
Speaking ahead of the celebrations, Tadashi Arashima, CEO and President of Toyota Motor Europe, said: "The UK has proved to be a valuable economic and business partner. Building on more than 15 years of production history, TMUK's team members continue to deliver the quality, efficiency and flexibility needed to meet the exacting standards of our customers in Europe and around the world."
