Toyota GR Corolla to Be Built in the UK from 2026 at Burnaston Plant

In a major win for UK automotive manufacturing, Toyota has officially confirmed that the GR Corolla will be built at its Burnaston facility in Derbyshire starting in 2026. The decision marks a significant moment for performance car production in Britain and reinforces Toyota’s long-term commitment to its UK operations.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) was chosen to handle GR Corolla production due to its established manufacturing prowess and motorsport experience. This move not only brings a halo model to the Burnaston site—already the production hub for the standard Toyota Corolla in Europe—but also represents a boost for the local industry at a time when good news is sorely needed.

GR Corolla Production Confirmed for Burnaston

The GR Corolla, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive hot hatch producing around 300 horsepower, has seen growing global demand since its debut. In response to this enthusiasm, Toyota is expanding production capacity to ensure more enthusiasts can get their hands on one. Planning for this expansion has been underway since 2023, and the Burnaston plant is being prepped accordingly to handle the GR model’s unique requirements.

While the GR Corolla is a far cry from the hybrid models typically assembled at Burnaston, the shared platform with the standard Corolla simplifies the process of scaling up production. By building on existing infrastructure rather than starting from zero, Toyota is able to speed up the rollout of its rally-inspired performance car across European markets.

Toyota Europe CEO Praises UK Facility

Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, expressed pride in TMUK's role in the expansion of Gazoo Racing (GR) vehicle production:

“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.”

This endorsement not only underscores Burnaston’s manufacturing excellence but also hints at the UK’s continuing role in Toyota’s global performance car strategy.

Closer to Home: European GR Corolla Demand Grows

For UK and European car enthusiasts, the announcement is more than symbolic. With GR Corolla production happening locally, Toyota aims to streamline logistics and reduce delivery times, a point the company emphasized in its official statement:

“This move reflects Toyota’s efforts to optimise its global production footprint to produce and deliver vehicles to customers as swiftly as possible.”

As regulatory landscapes shift and emissions compliance tightens, building cars closer to the markets where they’re sold becomes increasingly important. And with the GR Corolla now being assembled on British soil, European buyers can expect improved availability, possibly even better pricing, and quicker delivery.

While Toyota hasn’t revealed exactly how many units will be produced in Derbyshire or which markets will receive them, the prospects are promising. If the GR Corolla is priced competitively—despite its expected £50,000+ tag—there’s no doubt a strong customer base is already waiting.

A Welcome Chapter in UK Performance Car Manufacturing

Toyota’s decision to produce the GR Corolla in the UK is reminiscent of the Swindon-built Honda Civic Type R era, when some of the world’s best hot hatches came from British factories. Hopefully, this time around, UK drivers won’t have to watch the best versions go overseas.

More details, including production volumes and market availability, are expected in the coming months. For now, enthusiasts can celebrate a rare victory: the return of performance car manufacturing to the UK, courtesy of one of the most exciting hot hatches on the market.