Will the Toyota Auris hybrid be built in the UK?
Even though the UK government has recently announced a multi-million pound programme which will see electric cars trialled throughout the UK there is a feeling amongst many observers that this is only a piecemeal approach to the sector. This is an area of the automotive industry which needs significant investment, significant backing and to be pushed to the masses. However, the announcement that Toyota is considering building a hybrid version of its bestselling Auris hatchback model in the UK has opened up a potentially interesting option for the authorities.
The UK economy
It is no secret that the UK economy, together with many other economies around the world, has suffered dramatic falls in output in the aftermath of the credit crunch. Unemployment in the UK is forecast to hit 3 million before falling back as and when the UK economy starts to improve. However, the problems with GM Europe and the issue of Vauxhall related jobs in the UK together with the demise of LDV have literally crippled the UK automotive industry.
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