Which Toyota model became the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle built in Europe?

The Toyota Auris Hybrid became the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle built in Europe.

Toyota began mass production of the Auris Hybrid in May 2010 at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire, England. The car was based on the European Toyota Auris hatchback, which replaced the Corolla name for that body style in much of Europe. Its production made Europe a manufacturing base for Toyota’s hybrid technology rather than merely an import destination.

The Auris Hybrid used Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, pairing a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery pack. Its powertrain was closely related to the system used in the Toyota Prius, but the Auris offered the technology in a more conventional compact hatchback body. UK sales began on July 1, 2010.

A common mix-up is to answer “Toyota Prius,” because the Prius was Toyota’s best-known early hybrid and had been produced for years. The question asks specifically about the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle built in Europe, which refers to the Auris Hybrid assembled at Burnaston. Toyota later expanded European hybrid production to additional models and plants.