This is Derbyshire --TOYOTA has revealed that it will use millions of pounds of Government cash so its Burnaston site can research and develop new cars.
At present, the Japanese firm's Derbyshire plant makes Auris and Avensis cars.
But the company is now planning to give Burnaston a research and development capability, which could create a number of hi-tech jobs.
In Europe, the majority of the firm's research and development is in Brussels.
But thanks to a £6.3 million grant from the Regional Development Fund, Toyota is planning to transfer some of this work to Burnaston.
Toyota pledged to match the funding "multiple" times to create the unit, which will develop new cars and work on prototype models.
Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg visited the plant to confirm the Government's cash contribution.
He was given a tour by deputy managing director Tony Walker, before taking part in a question and answer session with 100 staff.
Mr Walker said: "We want to bring a research and design capability to Burnaston. This will mean that we not only make the cars but that we also play a part in developing them before production."
Toyota said the Government cash will safeguard the jobs of 3,800 staff at the plant and an engine-making factory in North Wales. New positions could be created in research and development.
Mr Walker said: "Although it is difficult to say how many, this money should help bring high-quality, high-tech jobs to Burnaston. We are very grateful to this support from the UK Government, which can be very influential to Toyota's decision-makers in Japan."
Mr Clegg said that he hoped that the Government's investment in Toyota would ensure that the car manufacturer remained in Derbyshire for many years to come.
He said: "The Toyota factory is a great example of good old-fashioned manufacturing, for which Derby is famous, being put to contemporary use. I want to see more of that."
Mr Clegg also visited Rolls-Royce in the city, where he toured the firm's operations, including its £6 million Apprentice Academy. Reported by This is 42 minutes ago.