Toyota Jobs – New Model Could Increase Workforce

Toyota has begun production of the Auris at its factory in Burnastone, Derbyshire, after reporting strong financial results. It follows investment of around £185m by the Japanese car maker in its UK manufacturing and supply chain, resulting in 800 new jobs.

Toyota has said sales figures for its latest model will determine how many further new jobs will be created in Derbyshire but this figure could increase to 1,500 depending on how well it sells. The car has received favourable reviews from the motoring press and is predicted to sit well in the small to medium sized car range.

The company described its new hatchback as a strategically important model for its European business, despite falling demand across the region.

The president and chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, Didier Leroy, said the company was committed to the UK.

It comes after the company reported a net profit of 257.9bn yen (£2bn) for the three months to the end of September.

Sales picked up across most major regions, including Europe where it sold 412,000 cars – up 51,000 compared to the same period last year.

But it revised down the total number of vehicles it expected to sell this financial year to 8.75 million vehicles.