Toyota promises local hybrid future at AIMS
September 23, 2008 by George Skentzos
Toyota is set to showcase Australia’s first hybrid car at next month’s Australian International Motor Show with the appearance of the new Camry hybrid.
The left-hand-drive US spec car has been flown into Australia especially for the event to showcase Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology prior to local production.
Toyota will begin building hybrid Camry sedans at its Altona plant from the beginning of 2010.
The hybrid Camry benefits from a four-cylinder petrol engine and a high-voltage motor offering more performance while using less fuel than a conventional petrol Camry – and it will also emit less carbon dioxide.
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive technology compliments the efficient nature of the electric motor, allowing the hybrid Camry to operate solely on electric power for short distances.
It also provides automatic stop/start for the engine at traffic lights, reclaims energy while braking and uses energy stored in the hybrid battery to boost acceleration performance.
Toyota Australia plans to produce 10,000 hybrid Camry sedans a year in addition to the existing four-cylinder Camry and V6 Aurion sedans produced at the Altona plant in Melbourne’s west.
Print it: 
Twenty Four Brands Will Miss Sydney Motor Show.
Hopefully the one in Melbourne will have more brands.
while I dont drive a Camry nor plan to, even though I worked on it, specifically the Oz Hybrid.
People here typically “bagging” it, just shows that it is targetted at the correct market. Sales actually predict that most of the 10,000 planned for local are going to be sold pretty quickly.
Boring people? Old? Cardigan wearing?
Maybe, but they have the money.
Again, I don’t drive a Camry, nor plan to. Its a good car for its purpose. Specifically the Hybrid, although will cost extra $$$, is well engineered. Total savings depends on how often you drive it. As a work car, driving around or more than 25,000 KMS a year. Its “economically” justifiable.
Are there better cars that more economic out there?… yes. Are they more expensive?… some of them.
Are they as reliable?…. some of them.
Are they as easily maintained as a daily driver?…. compare to a Camry, and similarly sized…. No… struggling to find an answer.
So these boring, old people… cardigan wearing as they maybe. Understand that cars are designed for a purpose. And as a daily driver, a car you wouldnt care to put 100,000kms in a year if you require…. then a Camry is a pretty good bet.
Since I’m a bit young, dont have kids, I prepare to “roll” around on my blue 350Z on the weekend. And drive the “Boring” Corolla as a daily work car.
Just wait until people have to replace their battery packs after the warranty expires especially on second hand units the cost savings are not really there at present!!
laurie
I am almost wetting myself with excitement at the prospect of this car being available.