The iconic Toyota GR Corolla is about to undergo a major transformation in its industrial history. Although this sports model has traditionally been reserved for Japan and North America, the decision to produce it in the United Kingdom marks a turning point for both Toyota as well as for motor enthusiasts in Europe. For the moment, its release on the continent remains unconfirmed, but the news is already generating great expectations in the sector.
The plant chosen to assemble the high-performance compact is Burnaston, Derbyshire, UK. Starting in 2026, this will be the first time a GR model will leave a factory outside its home country of Japan. This move is motivated by both the demand figures as well as industrial and geopolitical factors that directly affect the Japanese company's strategy. Therefore, Toyota is expanding its horizons further to ensure its hottest models remain popular...
Reasons for choice: Demand, tariffs, and production capacity…
La saturation at the Motomachi plant, where the GR Corolla is assembled along with other models such as the GR Racing and the GR86, has made it clear that the model needed new production horizons. Last year, they produced around 8.000 GR Corolla units there alone, out of a total of 25.000 vehicles. Demand in the USHowever, it has far exceeded the capacity of the Japanese factory, causing delays and long waiting lists for customers in the United States and Canada.
To satisfy the appetite of the North American market, Toyota will invest approximately 56 million in the modernization and adaptation of the Burnaston line, with the aim of assembling about 10.000 units per year Initially intended for export outside Europe, this increased production capacity will not only shorten delivery times but also revitalize a plant that had recently reduced its workload.
Advantages of manufacturing in the United Kingdom…
La British location is no coincidence. The United Kingdom has a long tradition in the automotive industry, a solid supply chain, and experience in producing the conventional Corolla. Furthermore, the choice to manufacture the GR Corolla on British soil allows Toyota to avoid some of the US tariffs on Japanese products. While From Japan, rates of up to 25% are imposed, vehicles manufactured in the United Kingdom only face a 10% charge to enter North America, according to the latest trade agreements.
It is important to note that the The brand has agreed not to pass on the tariff surcharge to the customer, resulting in a better final offer and added appeal to buyers across the Atlantic. Manufacturing in Burnaston also represents a way to take advantage of the production capacity available after Brexit, thus reactivating the local economy and employment.
Implications for the future and for Europe…
Although at the moment the British GR Corolla destined for the US, the proximity of future production raises hope among European enthusiasts that the model could end up landing in Continental European dealerships. Toyota has not yet revealed either the exact volumes or the specific target markets, but the presence of a factory in Europe favors possible future local marketing, despite existing environmental and regulatory restrictions.
El GR Corolla maintains its sporty essence: a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with over 300 hp and GR-Four all-wheel drive, ingredients that have earned it recognition among enthusiasts of dynamic driving. The Toyota Gazoo Racing teams have already been working closely with the British team to ensure the result maintains the standards and distinctive personality expected of a GR.
The move to produce the GR Corolla in the United Kingdom not only reduces waiting times for American customers, but also revitalizes the local industry and opens up new strategic options for Toyota in the future. Production on European soil would allow to meet European demand with greater guarantees and leverage local expertise in sports and niche models, thereby increasing the model's competitiveness in the global market.
Source - Toyota
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