TOYOTA, which has an engine plant on Deeside Industrial Park, Flintshire, has helped make maritime history by shipping its cars across the world on board a ship part-powered by solar energy.

The Auriga Leader docked in Long Beach, California, earlier this month with new Prius and other Toyota and Lexus models on board, destined for the North American market.

On its voyage from Japan, the ship was able to harness the power of the sun to reduce demand on its diesel engines.

Launched in Kobe, Japan, last December, the 60,000-tonne ship is 200m long and can carry 6,200 vehicles.