Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has made a significant announcement regarding the production of the Toyota GR Corolla. Starting from 2026, the Toyota GR Corolla will be produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK), as per earlier reports suggesting this move.
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) was established in 2009 and has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing brands within the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio. The first TGR product, the GR Supra, made its debut in 2019, followed by the GR Yaris in 2020, GR86 in 2021, and the GR Corolla in 2022.
The decision to select TMUK as the new production location for a TGR vehicle reflects Toyota’s commitment to optimizing its global production footprint to ensure swift delivery of vehicles to customers. TMUK was chosen due to its capabilities, skilled workforce, and strong motorsport culture within the United Kingdom.
Preparations for this production shift have been underway since 2024, with TMUK and key suppliers being informed about the project. The first GR Corolla is scheduled to roll off the production line in 2026.
Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, expressed pride in TMUK being selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles. He emphasized the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and Toyota’s commitment to contributing to UK society.
Details regarding sales markets, production volumes, and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date by Toyota. The decision to move production to the UK comes amidst the recent agreement by the Trump administration to lower tariffs on auto imports from Britain to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. Japan is also seeking to repeal the 25% tariffs imposed on all auto imports by the US, presenting a challenge for global automakers.
Currently, the GR Corolla is manufactured in Japan for both domestic and international markets, including North America. However, the high demand for the vehicle in North America has outpaced supply.
Toyota’s UK Burnaston plant, operational since 1992, has experienced a production decline post-Brexit. Given that the plant already produces the base model of the Corolla GR, it is a fitting choice for the new GR Corolla production line.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Toyota’s decision to shift production to the UK demonstrates its commitment to meeting customer demand efficiently and effectively. The move also showcases the company’s confidence in the capabilities of TMUK and the skilled workforce in the UK. This strategic decision is set to benefit both Toyota and the UK automotive industry in the years to come.
