Toyota to build hybrid Camry in Australia

Toyota has announced it will build a hybrid version of its Camry four-cylinder sedan in Australia from 2010. 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Toyota has confirmed it will build a hybrid version of its Camry sedan in Australia from 2010.

The announcement has created a green race between two of Australia's three local vehicle producers - Holden and Toyota - to see which will be the first to bring a frugal hybrid car to dealerships.

"We are delighted to have secured production of Australia’s first local hybrid. It represents an exciting new chapter in the Toyota Australia story," says Toyota Australia CEO and president Masahide Yasuda. "From 2010 we plan to produce 10,000 Camrys at the Altona plant [in Melbourne]."

A senior General Motors executive also recently said Holden would begin selling a hybrid version of its Commodore by 2010.

Victorian premier John Brumby described the Toyota hybrid announcement as "a very historic day".

"This is a green letter day," says Brumby. "It marks the start of an exciting new era in our automotive industry."

The Toyota Camry hybrid is expected to use between six and seven litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled, 30 to 40 per cent less fuel than a regular four-cylinder petrol automatic Camry – and about the same as a small car.

Carbon dioxide emissions for the hybrid Camry should fall from about 230 grams per kilometre to 140g/km.

The hybrid Camry should save its owner roughly $1000 a year in fuel bills, compared with the normal petrol Camry (based on 15,000km a year usage).

But buyers of the hybrid Camry will pay up-front for the privilege. Based on pricing of the Camry Hybrid in the United States, the hybrid Camry could cost close to $35,000, a hefty premium over the standard four-cylinder petrol Camry and more expensive than the V6 Toyota Aurion that shares the same platform.

"It is a next generation fuel efficient vehicle to help the environment and the hip pockets of Australian motorists," says Yasuda. "We believe we can best service our customers and society through sustainability in technology, manufacturing and social contributions. Hybrid technology is central to these goals because it provides strong performance, cuts fuel consumption and lowers emissions."


The hybrid Camry is likely to come with more equipment than the base model Camry, though, in an effort to justify its higher price.

Hybrid engines use a regular engine - in the Camry hybrid's case a four-cylinder petrol engine - and an electric motor that can power the car at low speeds. Hybrids can shut down the petrol engine when coasting down hills and when stopped in traffic to save fuel.

Source by : drive
Richard Blackburn, drive.com.au, June 10, 2008