4:30 pm, November 1, 2011
TOYOTA is celebrating after building its two millionth Yaris in its Valenciennes factory in northern France.
The model that took the production total to two million is a 1.4-litre D-4D five-door in burning red, destined for a customer in France.
The achievement comes in the same year as the factory celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The production of Toyota’s best-selling model in Europe started at Valenciennes in January 2001, with an annual volume of 150,000 units. This rose to a peak of 262,000 cars a year in 2007. The factory was designed for flexible operation, with the ability to switch to a three-shift working pattern when required to meet market demand.
Following the recent introduction of the new, third generation Yaris, TMMF will return to three shifts in January next year and will recruit 800 extra workers, taking the employee total at Valenciennes to 4,300. Production of the new Yaris Hybrid will also begin next year.
Makoto Sano, TMMF President, said: ‘This important milestone was achieved thanks to the hard work and dedication of all our members in TMMF. With the arrival of the new Yaris, TMMF is entering a dynamic new era. The latest model offers a promising prospect for our plant in Valenciennes.’
