Toyota Motor Manufacturing France celebrates 10 years of production

Exactly 10 years ago, on January 31, 2001, the very first European made Toyota Yaris rolled off the production line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France (TMMF) in Valenciennes, North of France.

Initially designed to produce just 150,000 vehicles annually with 2,000 staff members, TMMF progressively increased its production capacity to 270,000 vehicles per year, equivalent to one car every minute. In 2007, TMMF reached record production of 262,000 units. TMMF is Toyota's only manufacturing facility where production can be arranged into three shifts. This format was employed between May 2004 and April 2005 and between February 2006 and July 2010.

The Valenciennes-based facility represents a total investment of EUR 920 million for Toyota.

TMMF is the home of the Yaris, Toyota's best selling model in Europe. Both generations of the popular model have been produced at the French facility during the past decade. TMMF currently produces all Yaris vehicles sold in Europe. Preparations are currently underway for the production of a compact hybrid model in 2012.

Toyota Yaris is sold in 36 countries throughout Western and Eastern Europe with key markets in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.

As one of Toyota's five sustainable manufacturing facilities around the world, TMMF continuously aims to improve its environmental performance. For example, the site features a photovoltaic roof and solar wall to generate renewable energy by making use of the latest in sustainable technology. Recycled rainwater is used during the production process and 100% of any waste generated is either recycled or reused.

The production milestone of 1,900,000 Yaris vehicles was reached at TMMF on January 28, 2011.

TMMF currently employs 3,268 members, including 299 temporary staff. An additional 250 temporary staff are currently being recruited.