Toyota boss warns no-deal Brexit could put jobs at risk

Toyota employs 3,000 people across its main vehicle assembly plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and an engine site in north Wales Credit: PA

The UK head of Toyota has warned that the company might have to halt car production for months in the event of a no-deal Brexit, putting jobs at risk.

The Japanese car maker employs 3,000 people across its main vehicle assembly plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and an engine site in north Wales.

Marvin Cooke, the firm's managing director, said that the impact of any border delays would be hugely damaging for any firm that sources parts from all across Europe and ships them to Britain.

Toyota is the latest car manufacturer to warn of the impact of a hard Brexit on the sector, following Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Honda.

Toyota announced in February that Burnaston would build its latest version of the Auris model. It also unveiled plans to invest £240 million in the plant in March 2017.

Toyota unveiled plans to invest £240 million in its Burnaston plant in March 2017 Credit: PA

Business secretary Greg Clark insists that the Chequers plan is not dead and "does precisely what is required" for car manufacturers at a time of huge change in the industry with the growth of electric and self-driven vehicles.