As earlier reports have suggested, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has announced it plans to begin production of the Toyota GR Corolla at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) from 2026.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) was created in 2009 and has since become the ‘fastest-growing brand in the Toyota Motor Corporation portfolio’, Toyota says.

The first TGR product – GR Supra – debuted in 2019. This was followed by GR Yaris in 2020, GR86 in 2021 and GR Corolla in 2022.

Toyota says the selection of TMUK as the newest production location for a TGR vehicle reflects Toyota’s efforts to optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible.

Toyota said it also recognises the capability of TMUK, its staff and its supply chain, and the ‘deep motorsport culture and skill base within the United Kingdom’.

Preparations have been underway since 2024, when the team at TMUK and key suppliers were first informed about the project; the first vehicle is scheduled to be produced in 2026.

Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “We are proud that TMUK, our first plant in Europe, has also been selected as the first overseas Toyota plant to produce GR vehicles, securing this expansion project for TGR worldwide. 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.”

Details of the markets for sales, production volumes and investment levels will be confirmed at a later date, Toyota said.

The decision comes amidst the backdrop of the Trump administration’s recent agreement to lower tariffs on auto imports from Britain to 10% for up to 100,000 vehicles annually.

Meanwhile, Japan seeks to repeal the 25% tariffs imposed on all auto imports by the US, presenting an additional challenge for global automakers.

Currently, Toyota manufactures the GR Corolla in Japan for both domestic and international markets, including North America.

However, the high demand from engine enthusiasts in North America has outpaced supply.

Toyota’s UK Burnaston plant, operational since 1992, has experienced a production decline post-Brexit. It already produces the Corolla GR’s base model, making it a suitable choice for the new production line.