Motoring News

The new Toyota Auris has been officially launched in the UK and the event to mark the model’s official release was attended by Gordon Brown.

During his visit to Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire on Monday, the chancellor toured the Auris assembly lines and met with workers and senior management.

Addressing an audience at the event, Mr Brown said: "I am delighted to be here in Burnaston to see for myself this successful plant and to congratulate all those involved as the UK production of the Auris begins."

Commenting on the launch, Hein van Gerwen, managing director of Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: "Auris is an important vehicle for Toyota in Europe and we believe sets new quality standards in the competitive European C-segment.

"Holding this event at the end of the production line enables us to demonstrate our total commitment to delivering superior quality for every customer."

Toyota states that UK production of the Auris is demonstration of its commitment to "building cars close to customers".

The manufacturer has invested over €6 billion (£4 billion) in Europe and continues to spend over €5 billion each year with European suppliers.

In its UK manufacturing plants, which currently employ over 4,800 workers, Toyota has invested over £1.75 billion to date.