Toyota considers UK manufacturing future

Toyota could close its manufacturing sites in the UK if the government presses ahead with proposals to include hybrid models in its 2030 ban.

The government has announced it will ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030, with the sale of hybrids to be banned from 2035.

However, the five-year extension is expected to apply to only the greenest hybrids, with the government due to define the standard for hybrids in new regulations to be published later this year.

Now, Toyota has said that if restrictions are placed on the sale of its hybrid models from 2030, it would impact it ‘manufacturing activities’ in the country and “future investment”.

In a document seen by The Telegraph, Toyota said: “If the Government adopts an SZEC [significant zero emission capability] requirement that causes an early end to the sale of new full hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle sales in 2030, there would be an impact on a number of areas.”

Toyota has been manufacturing in the UK for 30 years and employs around 3,000 people.