DB Cargo UK has announced plans to invest £2.6 million in new facilities at its depot in Toton, Nottinghamshire, to facilitate the export and import of a new generation of Toyota cars.

The investment will see the construction of a new vehicle storage compound and associated loading and unloading facilities on a disused section of the site.

Subject to planning approval, new services will start in January 2022 with hybrid Corollas manufactured at Toyota’s Derby plant being exported to France and the Czech Republic.

Toyota Aygo, Yaris and the new Yaris+ vehicles will be imported on the return leg, to ensure full utilisation of the new services.

DB Cargo UK Chief Executive Andrea Rossi said: “This is a really exciting collaboration between DB Cargo UK, Toyota and STVA which will breathe new life back into redundant land at our Toton depot. 

“It’s a win-win-win for STVA, Toyota and ourselves and will see us deliver an efficient and environmentally-friendly rail logistics solution for one of our most important automotive customers.” 

The announcement was made during a visit to the site by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris who was on a fact-finding mission to learn more about DB Cargo UK’s innovative use of hydro-treated vegetable oil fuel in its diesel locomotive fleet.