Toyota Launches Production of Next-Generation Avensis

Toyota begins output of its latest Avensis, a Camry-size sedan, at its Burnaston, U.K., factory, saying the move reaffirms its commitment to U.K. manufacturing.

Burnaston is Toyota’s largest production site in Europe and, as the center of all Avensis production, has built three generations of the model since 1997.

Toyota touts sharper styling of ’12 Avensis.

The factory in Derbyshire also builds the Auris and Auris Hybrid cars for domestic and export markets.

Tony Walker, Toyota Manufacturing U.K.-deputy managing director, says the Avensis is central to the auto maker’s European strategy and is a key model for the U.K.

“British-built, and with (gasoline) engines sourced from Toyota’s Deeside factory plus ultra-efficient diesels, it is a stronger market contender than ever before,” Walker says in a statement.

Toyota says the new-generation Avensis, unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt auto show, features sharper contemporary styling, a quieter and more comfortable cabin and improved driving dynamics. It is due in showrooms early next year.

Its 2.0L, 4-cyl. turbodiesel engine has been reworked to deliver better fuel economy and reduced emissions, with carbon-dioxide levels down to 119 g/km, the auto maker says.