Toyota GR Corolla to Be Built in the UK From 2026
Toyota Motor Europe has confirmed it will start producing the Toyota GR Corolla at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston from 2026, bringing high-performance car assembly to British soil and shortening delivery times for European buyers. Created in 2009 under the guidance of Akio Toyoda, Toyota Gazoo Racing has since become Toyota’s fastest-growing brand, built on a motorsport-driven ethos that resonates with enthusiasts.
The first dedicated GR model, the GR Supra, reached showrooms in 2019, followed by the rally-bred GR Yaris in 2020, the agile GR86 in 2021 and the GR Corolla in 2022. Every launch attracted intense demand, consistently outstripping supply and prompting today’s expansion of global production. Toyota selected TMUK to optimise its manufacturing footprint and meet customer orders more swiftly, highlighting the plant’s proven quality standards, skilled workforce and the United Kingdom’s deep motorsport culture.
Preparations began in 2024 when TMUK and key suppliers received the project brief, and engineers have spent the past two years preparing lines and supply chains for the first car, scheduled for 2026. “We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. We appreciate the historical support and recognition of the United Kingdom and would like to continue to contribute to UK society as a ‘Best In Town’ company,” said Yoshihiro Nakata, President & CEO of Toyota Motor Europe.
Toyota will confirm market allocations, production volumes, and investment figures closer to the start of production date. The decision already signals a decisive vote of confidence in UK automotive expertise and the future of Toyota Gazoo Racing in Europe.