- Toyota is planning to move some GR Corolla production from Japan to Britain, according to a report from Reuters.
- The automaker will spend roughly $56 million on a dedicated production line to build exports of the hatchback for North America.
- The move is an attempt by Toyota to utilize excess capacity in Britain and to cut wait times for the GR Corolla amidst high demand for the hot hatch.
Toyota knows driving enthusiasts in North America want a GR Corolla, and it’s actually doing something to try to shorten delivery wait times. That’s according to a new report by Reuters that claims Toyota is planning to shift some GR Corolla production from Japan to Britain. The automaker is reportedly planning to spend around $56 million to set up a new production line dedicated to North American exports of the GR Corolla. Currently, production of the fiestiest Corolla model takes place at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Toyota City, but according to Reuters’ sources, that line is already at full capacity. With increasing production numbers at Motomachi out of the question, Toyota is looking to Britain to make use of excess production capacity and cut delivery wait times for the GR Corolla in North America. The new line would be set up at Toyota’s Burnaston plant and would add an annual production of around 10,000 cars to be exported to North America. The report indicates that the new line would be operational by the middle of 2026. The report also claims that strong demand in the United States for hybrids is keeping Toyota’s U.S. plants from being able to take on the GR Corolla’s production. Along with the news that Toyota could be planning to build even more of its splendid little hatchbacks, Reuters‘ sources also informed the outlet that whether exporting from Japan or Britain, Toyota plans to absorb any cost increases from tariffs through cost-cutting and has no plans to raise prices of the GR Corolla. More on the GR CorollaJack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.
Source: caranddriver.com
