Deeside plant to build Toyota's 5th gen hybrid electric powertrains

Toyota's Deeside plant is getting investment to support the production of a new fifth-generation hybrid engine.

The Toyota Manufacturing UK (TMUK) factory in North Wales is benefiting from £465,000 of investment to upgrade the assembly line for the new 1.8-litre powertrain which will debut in 2023 in a new Corolla range, including Hatchback and Touring Sports models built by TMUK at Burnaston in Derbyshire.

Toyota’s new technology replaces the fourth-generation hybrid electric system produced since 2016.

Marvin Cooke, Toyota Motor Europe executive vice president for manufacturing, said: “Toyota’s affordable, low emission hybrid electrified vehicles have an important role to play in our pan- European multi-technology strategy, which seeks to help everyone reduce their carbon emissions.

"Hybrid technology now features in 85% and 70% respectively of the engines and transmissions produced at TMUK and TMMP, which is a reflection of the ever-growing customer demand for Toyota hybrid products.”

Thanks to improved engine calibration, the new hybrid powertrain produces more power and improved performance and drivability. Both 1.8 and 2.0-litre powertrains will be available, the 1.8 further offering lower CO2 emissions compared to the current system.

The hybrid electric transmission, including motorgenerators and electrical components are built in Poland.

Toyota recently warned that the UK Government's push for rapid adoption of zero emissions pure electric vehicles could threaten the viability of its production facilities here, which produce hybrids.