This Corolla is the 5 millionth Toyota built in the UK

In a milestone that’s been 34 years in the making, Toyota Europe’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire just cranked out its five millionth car – and they’re celebrating with a sleek, shiny Corolla GR Sport Hatchback hybrid. This factory’s gone from a new kid on the block in 1989 to a cutting-edge hybrid machine powerhouse, with the entire lineup now consisting of hybrids.

Toyota’s UK journey started with Burnaston, Toyota’s first European car production site, and an engine plant over in Deeside, North Wales, both of which opened shop in 1992. Fast forward a few decades and £2.7 billion later, and this duo forms the backbone of Toyota’s European arm, with Burnaston taking the spotlight as a high-tech hub for hybrids. The plant even bagged the honour of being the first Toyota facility outside Japan to roll out hybrids – so if you spot a hybrid Corolla zipping around the UK or Europe, there’s a good chance it’s Derbyshire-born.

Gallery: 5 millionth Toyota built in the UK

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Source: Toyota

This big five-million mark is more than just bragging rights; it’s a nod to the nearly 3,000 employees keeping Burnaston’s wheels turning. And they’re not alone: thousands more across the UK feed parts and materials to Burnaston through an extensive supply chain that keeps the Toyota engine humming. Oh, and while you might spot a few of these Burnaston-born cars on British roads, most (around 85 per cent) are packed up and shipped off to Europe, Toyota's biggest fanbase outside Japan.

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“This milestone represents more than just a numerical achievement. It reflects our contribution to the economy and our commitment to making ever-better cars, embracing new technologies, and building strong relationships with our suppliers, partners, and local communities. This success is a testament to the dedication of all our members, past and present,” Darius Mikolajczak, Managing Director at Burnaston, comments.

Toyota's other production sites:

Tahara: The Japanese super factory of Lexus hybrids

Toyota Reveals Cutting-Edge Electric Vehicle Production Line In Japan

With Toyota doubling down on hybrid and alternative-fuel tech, the Burnaston plant’s evolution seems to have timed itself perfectly. The company is betting big on a greener future, and Burnaston is right at the centre, fuelling Toyota’s push to stay ahead of the hybrid game. So, while Toyota’s Europe division pops the champagne over its five-millionth car, it’s business as usual for Burnaston’s crew, who are likely already laser-focused on car number five million and one.

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