The model is the 11^th generation of the Corolla and features a more contemporary design, improved roominess, comfort, practicality and user-friendliness along with enhanced fuel economy, driving dynamics and safety features.

The Corolla is being produced alongside the Verso following a €150m investment. A total of 85% of the output will be exported to European markets, Russia, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asian countries this year. The plant will reach full capacity of the model next year with an annual output of 150,000 units.

The start of production was marked by an official ceremony held by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey (TMMT) and attended by Zafer Cağlayan, Economy Minister and Nihat Ergun, Industry, Science and Technology Minister of the Turkish Government as well as Kiyoshi Araki, ambassador of Japan in Turkey and key Toyota executives, including Takeshi Uchiyamada Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) Cchairman and Takeshi Numa Toyota Motor Europe (TME) executive vice president. 



Didier Leroy, president and CEO of TME, commented: ‘With the start of production of the new Corolla at TMMT, our product offer in the essential compact segment has been fully renewed in the past year. With this important milestone, we are definitely on the right path to achieve our target of sustainable growth this year but also in the future in Europe.’

Orhan Özer, president and CEO of TMMT, added: ‘Today I am very pleased that we re-started to produce new generation Corolla, a milestone in Turkish automotive history. Today’s achievement has been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of our employees, suppliers and business partners. I would like to thank all those involved for their hard work and dedication and on this occasion I express my gratitude to TMC and TME.’

TMMT started its production operations in Sakarya in 1994 with the seventh-generation Corolla. Production of the Corolla continued with the eighth and ninth generations of the model until the end of 2006.