Britain to build new hybrid cars

Britain is to become the first country in Europe to build hybrid cars following a decision by Toyota to start production of the Auris at its Burnaston plant near Derby.

The Sunday Times newspaper reports that production is expected to start at the end of this year.
The Auris hybrid shares its chassis, 1.8litre petrol engine and electric motor with the Prius, but is a smaller and lighter vehicle. The new Prius emits CO₂ emissions of 89g per kilometre, and an average fuel consumption figure of 72.4mpg.

The Auris will be pitched as a rival to the £15,490 Honda Insight Hybrid, a car recently crowned Green Car of the Year by the Environmental Transport Association.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA): “The government will have offered generous incentives to secure production of this car, but this will pay dividends if it positions us at the forefront of green technology.”