Toyota Marks 5 Million Cars Produced in France and Announces 600 Permanent Jobs

The Valenciennes factory, France's largest car plant, celebrates a milestone while defying industry trends with hybrid-focused production and workforce expansion.

Toyota's Valenciennes factory has produced its 5 millionth vehicle since opening in 2001, a Yaris Cross hybrid painted in French colors for the occasion.
The company announced plans to convert 600 temporary workers to permanent contracts over the next two years, stabilizing its workforce of 5,000 employees.
The plant, which produced 275,000 vehicles in 2023, is on track to reach 286,000 units this year, with 75% being Yaris Cross hybrids.
Toyota has invested heavily in hybrid technology at the site, with all vehicles produced there now being hybrids, as the company remains cautious about fully electric models.
The announcement comes as much of the European auto industry faces declining sales and job cuts, highlighting Toyota's contrasting growth strategy in France.