Once again, Toyota chose the site of Onnaing

At a press conference on September 24, Toyota Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Europe announced that its Onnaing-Valenciennes site had been selected for the production of a small hybrid vehicle, starting in 2012.

On this occasion, Mr. Sano explained the reasons for the choice.

“I would first like to emphasize how proud we are that our site has been chosen. It's a source of pride for all staff members at Onnaing-Valenciennes. Toyota Motor Manufacturing France will be the first site in France and the second in Europe to produce hybrid electric vehicles, consolidating its place within Toyota's European manufacturing system.

There were several reasons for this choice.

First of all, the quality of our workforce, which has been a great satisfaction for us ever since we started up in Northern France. […]

Then there is our geographical location. Serving the European market, Toyota Motor Manufacturing France is at its center, within easy reach of its four main component markets -- Germany, Italy, the UK and France. Toyota always favors industrial locations close to end markets. […]

A third reason is that Northern France has the infrastructure needed for our operations. […]

And last but not least, there is the unfailing support of authorities here. The promise of financial support from the government, the Region and the local Communauté d'Agglomération weighed heavily in favor of Toyota Motor Manufacturing France.”