Due to popular demand, Toyota is increasing production of the GR Corolla by adding a new production line in the United Kingdom. This marks the first time a GR model will be manufactured outside Japan, helping the company optimise its global production footprint and reduce delivery times for customers.
Preparations for the production of the GR Corolla by Toyota Manufacturing United Kingdom (TMUK) has already started since 2024, with production of the performance hatchback set to begin at the start of 2026.
TMUK is a long-standing manufacturing hub for Toyota. Plans for manufacturing in the UK were floated as early as 1989, with the TMUK plant manufacturing its first model, a Carina E, in 1992. Since 2001, the plant is said to have a total production capacity of 400,000 units a year, and is now making an average of 150,000 units of a year consisting of mostly Corollas.
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Yoshihiro Nakata, commented, “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.”
ALSO READ: The new Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport in Japan is what the sporty SUV should’ve been all along
The GR Corolla was previously only built exclusively in Japan, in Toyota’s Gazoo Racing production facility in the Motomachi plant. In this plant, not anyone will be able to build a GR model as they will be exclusively built by takumi (master craftsmen) team members, all specially selected for the project. Other notable cars constructed in the Motomachi plant include: The Lexus LFA, Toyota Crown, and the Toyota MK4 Supra.
With TMUK’s staff, supply chain, and deep motorsport culture and skill base within the region, Toyota acknowledges the plants capabilities in producing high-quality performance cars. Having the GR Corolla produced in the UK will also significantly reduce carbon footprint by streamlining deliveries to customers in the region.
In Malaysia, the GR Corolla is equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and travels from 0-100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. Prices start at RM367,000 on-the-road, excluding insurance.
READ MORE: 2025 Toyota GR Corolla facelift launched in Malaysia – 6MT only for now, from RM367k
