The port of Southampton has clinched yet another major contract from one of the world's leading car manufacturers.

Toyota will export its Avensis and Corolla models to Portugal through the city's docks on Flota Suardiaz's weekly service from Southampton to the port of Vigo.

This further strengthens Southampton's position as the country's number one port for handling the import and export of vehicles.

The latest contract comes hard on the heels of the opening of a new purpose-built terminal in the Western Docks for Honda.

Toyota, which already uses Southampton on other export routes, will ship more than 30,000 vehicles through the docks from its factory in Burnaston near Derby.

Mike Mills, manager of Toyota Motor Europe's vehicle logistic group, said: "Southampton offers the excellent strategic location advantages of being a direct and cost-effective route with shorter lead times than other ports to the continent.''

Associated British Ports, which owns and operates the docks, is the UK's principal quayside car handler, with almost 20 per cent of vehicles imported and exported through the city gateway.