Production of Toyota’s new car, Auris Hybrid has started in Derbyshire. The Japanese Company has said that Auris is the first mass-produced Hybrid car of Europe and availed 400 jobs at the Burnaston plant.

Other hybrid version of Toyota models were made in Japan and U.S., but this is the first to be manufactured in the UK.

The car, which is controlled by two electric motors and a 1.8 litre petrol engine, will be available in showrooms for sale from July 1.

Because of global holdback in vehicle sales, the plant in Burnaston was closed for a fortnight in April.

The workers have also agreed to a pay freeze in 2010, although a 10% cut in hours and salary has ended. The factory manufactures the models of Auris and Avensis and presently provides work to 3,800 employees.

The vehicle will be gathered at Burnaston and the petrol engines will be manufactured at Deeside in North Wales.

The Business Secretary, Mr. Vince Cable said, “Toyota's decision to make Burnaston the only plant in the world to build the Hybrid Auris is a strong endorsement of the UK as a manufacturing base for the next generation of cars”.

According to Toyota's Motor Europe President, Didier Leroy, the UK has proved to be a helpful business associate. Having the manufacturing experience of almost 20 years, Toyota's team members maintains to deliver the flexibility, efficiency and quality.