The model is the first hybrid Toyota built in Europe, with production starting at the factory in Burnaston, Derbyshire in 2010. To date, the manufacturer has sold more than 3.5 million hybrids worldwide since the first generation Prius was introduced in 1999.

Tony Walker, deputy managing director of Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, said: ‘We are proud that Toyota selected the UK for its first European hybrid production centre and are equally pleased that it is an Auris Hybrid from Burnaston that has taken the company to this landmark total.

‘It is more good news for TMUK, following on from the recent announcement that Burnaston will receive significant further investment to build a new generation of Toyota C-segment hatchbacks – including a hybrid version.’

Michel Gardel, vice president of communication, external and environmental affairs at Toyota Motor Europe, added: ‘We are very proud to deliver our 400,000th hybrid in Europe. It shows that European customers are not only ready to consider a hybrid vehicle purchase but for Toyota, they have been doing so in large numbers – in fact 10 per cent of our sales in Europe were hybrid vehicles last year.’