Toyota could build hybrid car in UK

Japanese automotive firm Toyota is considering making a hybrid version of its Auris hatchback model in the UK. ┬á  If UK production goes ahead, the car would be ToyotaÔÇÖs first petrol-electric car to be made in Europe.┬á┬á Hybrid versions of Toyota cars are currently manufactured in the US and Japan. Toyota, which is the worldÔÇÖs biggest automotive manufacturer, already dominates the global hybrid market with its top-selling Prius model, though more hybrids are currently sold in the US than in Europe. The company, which sold nearly 430,000 petrol-electric vehicles last year, has said it wants to offer hybrid versions of all its models by 2020. ┬á According to reports, production of the hybrid Auris will start in 2012. The firm already manufactures the petrol model at its plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, which employs around 4,000 people.  Production of the new model there would be a positive step towards ensuring the siteÔÇÖs future and boosting local employment. The move would also be welcome news for the UK government, which is trying to position the country as a European hub for ÔÇÿgreenÔÇÖ car production.  Toyota has not yet confirmed the location of manufacturing. *┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á *┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á┬á *