Toyota Motor Europe has confirmed that its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire will begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla in 2026, marking a significant expansion of the company’s high-performance GR (Gazoo Racing) lineup.
The move makes Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) the first overseas plant to produce a GR model, a distinction previously held only by Japanese facilities. The GR Corolla – Toyota’s turbocharged, rally-bred hot hatch – will join the ranks of GR-branded vehicles like the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR86, all of which have seen demand exceed supply since the sub-brand’s launch in 2019.
“TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles,” said Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “We very much 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.”
Preparations for the new production line have been underway since 2024, with TMUK staff and suppliers already looped into the planning process. Toyota will invest an estimated £41m to establish the GR Corolla assembly line, signalling continued commitment to the UK despite broader industry uncertainties.
This announcement builds on a decade of transformation at TMUK, which has invested over £2.75 billion in its UK operations. A notable milestone came in 2019 with the reintroduction of the Corolla nameplate, and the plant’s adoption of hybrid powertrains. TMUK also expanded its portfolio by producing the Suzuki Swace under a collaboration with Suzuki.
The Burnaston facility reached a historic landmark in 2024 with the production of its five millionth vehicle since opening in 1992 – evidence of its central role in Toyota’s European strategy.
The decision to base GR Corolla production in the UK is as much about capability as it is geography. The UK’s deep motorsport heritage, highly skilled workforce, and established supplier networks made it an ideal fit for a GR vehicle, which demands precision engineering and performance-focused design.
This strategic localisation is part of Toyota’s broader effort to optimise its global manufacturing footprint and respond more swiftly to regional demand, especially from North America and Europe, where demand for performance cars remains strong.
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