Toyota has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Toyota GR Corolla will begin production at its Burnaston facility in Derbyshire from 2026, marking the first time a Toyota Gazoo Racing vehicle will be manufactured outside Japan. However, this development comes with a bitter irony for British automotive enthusiasts: the performance hatchback will be built on British soil but remains unavailable for purchase in the UK market.
- Official References & Link in Bio:
- Link tree: Toyota Europe Official Newsroom
- Beacons: SMMT Official Statistics
- Bio.link: UK Government ONS Manufacturing Data
Strategic Manufacturing Decision Driven by Global Demand
The decision to relocate some GR Corolla production stems from Toyota’s inability to meet North American demand, with sources indicating the automaker will invest approximately $56 million to establish a dedicated production line capable of producing 10,000 units annually for export to North America. The move addresses long waiting lists in the US market, where dealer mark-ups have reached significant levels due to overwhelming consumer interest.
Production Capacity and Investment Details
Toyota’s Burnaston plant, which began operations in 1992, currently possesses advanced production technology but has experienced declining output since Brexit, falling below 100,000 units in 2024. The facility already manufactures the standard Corolla hatchback, making it a natural choice for GR variant production. Preparations for the performance hatchback’s production line have been underway since 2024, with engineers temporarily dispatched from Japan to share production technology and expertise.
UK Automotive Manufacturing Data Table
Metric | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 (Q1) |
---|---|---|---|
Total UK Car Production | 905,000 | 779,584 | 239,213 |
Export Percentage | 82.1% | 77.4% | 78.7% |
EU Export Share | 55.2% | 54.0% | 52.3% |
Automotive Employment | 182,000 | 175,000 | 171,000 |
Source: SMMT Official Data & ONS Manufacturing Statistics
Technical Specifications and Market Positioning
The GR Corolla utilizes the same three-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged engine as the acclaimed GR Yaris, but tuned to produce 295bhp compared to the GR Yaris’s 276bhp. Power is transmitted to all four wheels through Toyota’s advanced torque vectoring system, with buyers offered both six-speed manual and automatic transmission options.
Brexit Impact and Trade Considerations
The relocation decision was not influenced by former President Trump’s tariff policies, according to unnamed sources, though the current administration has reduced tariffs on UK auto imports to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually. This trade arrangement provides Toyota with cost advantages compared to Japanese exports, which face 25% US tariffs.
UK Sales Possibility
Despite the absence of confirmed UK sales plans, Toyota Europe COO Matt Harrison has indicated that the company follows a philosophy of “build where you sell,” suggesting British availability could eventually materialize. Harrison acknowledged the significance of the UK’s motorsport culture and expertise in the plant selection process, hinting that domestic sales remain under consideration.
Market Gap in UK Performance Segment
The potential arrival of the GR Corolla would address a growing void in the UK hot hatch market. Recent departures include the Renault Sport range, Hyundai i30 N, Ford Fiesta ST, and the impending retirement of the Focus ST and Honda Civic Type R, creating significant demand for performance alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will UK-built GR Corollas start production?
A: Production at Toyota’s Burn aston plant will commence in 2026, with preparations already underway since 2024.
Q: Will British buyers ever get access to the GR Corolla?
A: While not officially confirmed, Toyota executives suggest the possibility remains open, citing their “build where you sell” philosophy.
Q: How many GR Corollas will be produced in the UK annually?
A: The facility will produce approximately 10,000 units yearly, primarily destined for North American markets.
Real Examples by Website/Article Type
Automotive News Sites:
- Auto Express: “Toyota GR Corolla to be built in the UK, but British buyers still can’t have one”
- Car scoops: “Toyota Takes GR Corolla Production Beyond Japan To A Place You Can’t Even Buy It”
Business/Trade Publications:
- Reuters: “Exclusive: Toyota to move some GR Corolla production to Britain”
- The Japan Times: “Toyota to build GR Corolla in Britain from 2026”
Enthusiast Publications:
- Evo: “Will the Toyota GR Corolla be sold in the UK after all?”
- Motor1: “Confirmed: Toyota Will Make the GR Corolla In the UK”
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