UK will become first European country to build hybrid cars following a decision by Toyota to start production of the Auris hybrid at its Burnaston plant. Toyota makes nearly all its dual-power cars in Japan, with small numbers produced in China and America. It would be the first site for Toyota hybrid car production outside of North America or Asia.
The Burnaston plant already produces the Auris and Avensis models. The Auris hybrid will share the 1.8liter gasoline engine and electric motor with the new Prius, which has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any five-seater car, at 89g per kilometer, and an official average fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg U.K.
Although the Auris and Prius are built on the same chassis platform, the Auris is smaller and lighter and so is likely to have an even lower carbon-dioxide rating. The Auris will be pitched as a rival to the £ to the recently launched Honda Insight Hybrid, which starts at £15,490.
