Toyota to start making hybrids in U.K. in 2010

Toyota Motor Corp., the world’s biggest automaker, said it will start making hybrid cars in Europe next year as part of a growth strategy that hinges on its strength in green technology. Toyota said it will produce from mid-2010 a gas-electric hybrid version of its Auris hatchback at its Burnaston Plant in central England. Toyota has sold 37,000 Auris vehicles with regular gasoline engines in Europe since the model’s introduction in 2007. The non-hybrid Auris is now produced in England and in Turkey. Toyota already makes hybrids in North America, Japan and China. It has been eager to expand its business in Europe, where it is still a tiny player. (July 17, 2009)