SMMT Industry Forum Drives the Flag With Toyota’s British Built Auris Hybrid

The SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) Industry Forum has replaced its fleet of Avensis saloons after five years use with six Auris Hybrids, built at Toyota’s manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire.

Formed as part of collaboration between the Government and the UK automotive industry, the SMMT Industry Forum has developed and grown into an organisation serving customers in many diverse industries. Their programme delivers ‘learning by doing’ training, teaching companies practical skills to help reduce waste, improve profitability and lower costs throughout the supply chain. The cars will be used by their engineers visiting clients across the country. More information on the Industry Forum can be found at www.industryforum.co.uk.

With combined CO2 emissions of 93g/km and a combined fuel consumption figure of 70.6 mpg, the Auris Hybrid makes environmental and economical sense from a fleet user perspective. Being a full hybrid, it is able to run solely on electric power at lower speed which means no fuel is used with zero tailpipe emissions.

Michael Baunton Chairman of the SMMT Industry Forum and Paul Everitt SMMT Chief Executive took the opportunity to visit the Toyota plant for the hand-over of the vehicles. Baunton said, “We are dedicated to improving the efficiency and environmental impact of the UK motor industry. With our staff now driving the impressive UK built Toyota Auris Hybrid we can demonstrate the significant improvements that are possible in both areas.”

Auris Hybrid is Toyota’s first European-built hybrid car and forms part of its strategy to make hybrid available throughout its vehicle line-up. Toyota will launch two new full hybrids in 2012, the Yaris Hybrid and seven seat Prius+.

ENDS