Toyota doubles up with two models on one line at Burnaston plant

Japanese carmaker Toyota has said the challenge of delivering two new models at the same time at its plant in the UK is a first for the company globally.

The Burnaston, Derbyshire, factory went from building nothing to 800 new cars a day earlier this month. The new Auris and Avensis are being built on the same production line, including press, through welding, paint shop and assembly.

The models include Avensis saloons, Auris hatchbacks and Touring Sports wagon body styles of both models, with petrol, diesel and hybrid engines. Jon Corpe, Toyota Manufacturing UK’s project manager, said: “Normally, as production of an outgoing model slows down, the build of the new one takes over on the line to compensate, so the number of cars leaving the plant is fairly consistent.

“In this case, production of both models came to an end at the same time. We had to be sure we could meet global demand for the new cars immediately.”