Toyota is celebrating the five millionth car to be built at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire. The milestone model is a Corolla GR Sport Hatchback hybrid, finished in blazing Scarlet Flare paintwork, which came off the assembly line earlier this month.

Parked nose-to-tail, the UK-built Toyotas would form a line almost 14,000 miles long – more than half way around the world.

The achievement highlights TMUK’s status as one of Toyota’s principal European manufacturing centres and a key player in the UK automotive sector. Since its founding in 1989, it has benefited from more than £2.82 billion investment, keeping it at the cutting edge of new technologies, skills and production methods.

Notably it was the first Toyota facility outside Japan to make hybrid vehicles and it continues to be a centre of excellence for the technology. Today, 100 per cent of UK production is hybrid.

At the same time, TMUK has consistently been a global trailblazer for Toyota’s ambitious and wide-ranging environmental programme, pioneering the generation and use of sustainable energy sources, minimising waste and maximising opportunities for recovering, recycling and re-using parts and materials. TMUK’s engine plant in Deeside, North Wales, is on course to become Toyota’s first global carbon neutral production site in 2025.

Darius Mikolajczak, TMUK Managing Director, said: “This is a proud moment for everyone at TMUK and symbolic of the commitment to quality, productivity and competitiveness that is at the heart of our business and shared by all our members.

“The milestone of five million cars represents more than just a numerical achievement. It also reflects our contribution to the UK economy and our continued investment in making ever-better cars, embracing new technologies and new ways of working, while building strong and mutually rewarding relationships both with our suppliers, our partners and our local communities. This would not have been possible without the dedication of all our members, past and present. Their engagement and motivation are second to none and a true credit to our business.”

The Corolla name-plate has appeared on more vehicles worldwide than any other, with more than 50 million sold to date, arguably making it the world’s most popular car.

The current Corolla is the 12^th generation in a bloodline that goes back to 1966. It carries forward a heritage of innovation and customer appeal that have made Corolla so successful, ensuring that it remains a key player at the heart of the market.

Today’s Corolla exemplifies the quality, durability and reliability that are central to the brand, giving customers peace of mind that their car won’t let them down. The key areas of safety, on-board connectivity, efficient performance and a rewarding driving experience are all brought together in a package that is both stylish and highly practical.

There’s a breadth of choice with a dual hybrid strategy that offers two powertrain options – 1.8 and 2.0-litre – both offering a characteristically smooth, quiet and refined drive, with strong fuel economy and low emissions. Toyota has been the world leader in hybrid for more than a quarter of a century, a technology that remains central to its multi-path strategy for sustaining reductions in CO₂ emissions towards ultimate carbon neutrality.

The current Corolla line-up features a five-door Hatchback and a Touring Sports estate version. The choice of equipment grades includes GR Sport versions that add sporting touches inspired by the world championship-winning success of Toyota Gazoo Racing.

These models are all produced by TMUK, together with Corolla Commercial, a Touring Sports repurposed at Burnaston as a compact hybrid van – the first of its kind on the UK market.