TOYOTA FORMALLY OPENS NEW U.K. PLANT

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced that Toyota Motor Manufacturing (U.K.) Ltd. was formally opened today. The new British company, which has its vehicle-manufacturing base in Burnaston, Derbyshire and an engine plant in Deeside, Wales, started production of the Toyota Carina E in December of 1992.

Toyota also announced that it plans to achieve 80% local content by value in late 1994, six months ahead of schedule.
At the start of production, the company had attained the target level of 60%. Toyota U.K. is working with its suppliers toward the phased increase of European content, with initiatives such as supplier support teams to assist with knowledge transfer in the areas of quality and productivity.

At today's local ceremony, in which HRH The Prince of Wales formally opened Toyota U.K., Managing Director Yukihisa Hirano said, "By making Toyota U.K. a success, we will contribute not only to the long-term prosperity of our employees, but also to the communities in which we operate, the U.K.'s manufacturing revival, and the European automotive industry."

This year, the company plans to produce over 35,000 Carina E's. Next year, with the planned addition of the lift-back version, production may reach 100,000 vehicles. Base capacity of 200,000 will be reached as market demand increases. Around 70% of production will be exported to continental Europe.

In addition to the attendance of Prince Charles, the opening events will include visits by representatives of Toyota U.K.'s European suppliers, the local community, and employees' families.