by Toyota moves GR Corolla production to the UK
The Japanese automaker Toyota plans to begin production of the sports version of the Corolla—the GR Corolla—at its plant in Derbyshire, UK. This decision is driven by high demand for the model, particularly in North America, where customers have been waiting a long time for deliveries. Currently, all GR Corolla cars are produced exclusively at the Motomachi plant in Japan, but capacity is no longer sufficient.
According to sources, the company is investing approximately $55.6 million in establishing a new production line for the GR Corolla in the UK. The launch is scheduled for mid-2026, with an annual production volume of 10,000 units. All of them will be exported to North America.
Why the UK?
The Derbyshire plant, which opened back in 1992, has spare capacity following reduced production due to Brexit. Additionally, regular Corollas are already manufactured there, which will simplify the integration of the new line. Japanese engineers will assist in setting up the process to ensure the same quality as in Japan.
For the European market, the GR Corolla remains unavailable due to strict emissions standards. Therefore, Japanese plants will continue supplying this model only for the domestic market and some countries, such as Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Despite the changes in production, Toyota does not plan to raise prices for the GR Corolla, even if it has to absorb additional costs associated with exports. An updated version of the model is expected in the coming years, featuring improved aerodynamics and chassis tuning.
This move demonstrates how global automakers are adapting to changes in demand and political conditions. Utilizing spare capacity in the UK will allow Toyota to meet customer demand in key markets more quickly without increasing the burden on Japanese plants. At the same time, it could provide a boost to the local industry after the challenging period associated with Brexit.
