Toyota is set to begin producing part of its GR Corolla sports car lineup at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, Britain. This move involves a significant investment of approximately $56 million to establish a dedicated production line capable of manufacturing 10,000 units annually for North American markets, starting mid-2026, as reported by Reuters.
The strategic decision to shift production to the UK is aimed at taking advantage of excess capacity at the Burnaston facility. This shift is intended to address delivery delays in North America by better meeting the high demand for the GR Corolla among car enthusiasts. Despite speculations, the decision is not a direct response to U.S. tariffs but focuses on streamlining production.
The Burnaston plant, which has been operational since 1992, currently produces Corolla hatchbacks and is well-equipped with modern technology. This makes it an ideal choice for producing the GR Corolla. Additionally, Japanese engineers will be deployed temporarily to provide crucial technical support during this transition, ensuring a seamless shift in operations.