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Toyota to Relocate GR Corolla Production to UK in 2026

The move aims to ease North American supply shortages by taking advantage of reduced tariffs under the US-UK trade agreement.

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Overview

  • Production of the GR Corolla hot hatch will shift from Japan to Toyota’s Burnaston plant in Derbyshire from mid-2026, marking the first time a GR-branded model is built outside Japan.
  • Toyota says overwhelming demand for the 300-hp GR Corolla in North America has outstripped supply and driven the decision to move manufacturing closer to its largest market.
  • The company highlighted the US-UK trade deal’s lower tariff regime on US-bound vehicles as a key factor in selecting Burnaston for GR Corolla output.
  • Burnaston’s GR Corolla line is expected to produce up to 10,000 units annually once the dedicated assembly operations are fully operational.
  • Reports indicate Toyota will invest over £41 million in a purpose-built assembly line at Burnaston and cited the plant’s skilled workforce, robust supply chain and motorsport culture as decisive advantages.