Secretary of state for transport launches UK production of the all-new Toyota Avensis
The secretary of state for ransport, Rt Hon. Geoff Hoon MP, will officially launch the start of production of the all-new Avensis during a visit to Toyota’s Burnaston Plant, Derbyshire, on 21 November 2008. Other guests include Avensis suppliers, Unite the Union, local government, local community and representatives from the media.
The all-new Avensis, designed at Toyota’s European Design Development Centre in the south of France, will contribute to reduce Toyota’s CO2 fleet average. It comes equipped with ‘Toyota Optimal Drive’, a new concept that assures innovative environmental solutions, which deliver a powerful balance of reduced fuel consumption and low CO2 emissions.
The production of this car in the UK is a great step forward for the UK automotive industry. Speaking ahead of the visit, The Secretary of State for Transport said: “The investment Toyota has made in this new model is a real vote of confidence in both the workers at the Burnaston and Deeside plants and in the future of car manufacturing in the UK. The start of production marks a confident new chapter for the company, which is particularly important in these challenging times, but it also represents a vital boost for local jobs and the regional economy.” The Secretary of State for Business, Lord Mandelson, added, “The automotive sector plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the UK economy. Our car industry has a highly skilled workforce and is one the most efficient and productive in the world.”
The launch of the new Avensis model production in the UK will prove to be beneficial for the automotive industry as well as the UK economy. Since 1997 more than 1.45 million Avensis vehicles have driven off the production line at the Burnaston Plant. The introduction of the new Avensis will represent an annual spend of over £500 million with UK business partners.
