Toyota first with Australian made hybrid
November 4, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Toyota Australia is set to make history in just over three months when it launches the first hybrid car to be built in this country – Hybrid Camry.
A limited number of pre-production cars have already been tested on public roads and closed tracks with insiders saying the Hybrid Camry out performers the standard car in terms of handling, ride, performance, and of course, fuel economy.
Engineers have tuned the car’s suspension and steering specifically for Australian conditions so that it meets the demands of local drivers and their families.
New features include advanced computer technology that links on-board systems to enhance driving enjoyment and safety.
Hybrid Camry will use significantly less fuel – around 30 per cent less than the petrol Camry, according to latest indications.
The standard petrol Camry is already the most fuel-efficient car produced in Australia, consuming just 8.8L/100km on the official combined cycle.
This first official glimpse of the unmasked Hybrid Camry exterior reveals styling that is progressive and aerodynamic.
The unmistakable hybrid identity is emblazoned on its front-quarter panel, just above the car’s 10-spoke alloy wheels.
Full-scale production is due to begin next month, with cars arriving in dealerships during February.
Print it: 
If this car indeed cost only about $33k, and uses 30% less – 6.2L/100km, then this will most definitely be the one of the best value hybrids in Australia. The Civic is more expensive, is smaller and costs $12k more than its base model.
You are saving 2.6L/100km. Over 15000km, this will be about $500 per year (assuming $1.3 per litre). Of course if you travel more the savings will be more significant. Still requires significant mileage to cover the costs.
milobob, i’ll get one if it is about $33k but I doubt it would cost less than $37k.
To justify the cost of manufacturing this car in Australia Toyota will have to secure some big fleet orders. Being Toyota took up the $45 mill? From Australian governments “Green Fund” I am sure the already own the pot.
Goodbye Commodore?
I am sure they will get quite a fair bit of fleet buyers since we all know that there is a big big green image with hybrids. Not to mention its Australian made. I’ll buy one for my parents if its $33k :P
I’ve noticed the universities are downgrading from Camrys to Corollas/Yaris’. Times change…
Depends on which university…
In Brisbane, the rich Uni all upgraded their Camry’s to Commodore Sportwagon, and the Corolla’s to Civic Hybrids. I’ve never seen any Brisbane Uni car that is smaller then the Corolla class.
doesn’t say much about the standard camry,if a hybrid one can outhandle and outperform it,lol…
Funny you said that.
A hybrid Commodore or Falcon could also outhandle and outperform their standard version.
That doesn’t mean Commodore or Falcon is crap.
(Put the battery in the back for better weight balance. Use an electric motor to boost torque.)
Milobob, its not just the universities downgrading to Corolla/Yaris, many fleets are. The depreciation is far less. Go to any government car auction and the price for a 2 or 3 Y.O. Corolla is often the the same or similar to that of a similar age/mileage Camry/Falcon despite being the Corolla being substantially cheaper when new. Many fleets are realising why buy a 30K car and get back 14-16K when they could spend 20-22k and get back similar?
The University i’m at (CSU) does not have a Camry in their fleet (unless you count the Aurions)they Have Omega sport wagons SV6’s XR6’s Berlina’s and G6E’s and Prius’.
They have more Falcons, im assuming this is because of the heavy discount Ford offer to flog fleet sales.
Im suprised they didnt give it more hybrid looking wheels, you know the ones which look like dinner plates
Only Honda does that… Toyota hybrids in other market is also available with 18″ … e.g. Prius gen 3.
Toyota Japan’s other Hybrids all comes with nice wheels standard, like Crown hybrid, Estima hybrid (Tarago), that SAI thing…
Hybrid Camry sounds very interesting. I’m excited to check this out soon, I’m sure it would be great. Though an awesome or cooler wheels would be definitely appreciated…
Looks good, if it’s around the 35k mark, ill buy it. Screw optional extra’s.
Word has it it may be as low as $33k and that has pushed the Hyundai LPG/Hybrid out of the markets before it even arrives.
Nah…. Hyundai would outdo them eventually… all good for consumers… LOL…
me think 40k… otherwise PRIUS would be priced out… who wants a smaller car that comes with a bigger price tag?
Hybrid Camry WILL be cheaper than Prius.
Don’t ask me the economics behind it though. Maybe it just comes down to the prices are set at what the market will pay, and Prius is overpriced.
If you’re talking about Hybrid Elantra isn’t that “$A20,194 to $22,894″ according to goauto?
I also expect hybrid Camry to be cheaper beacuse its a milder hybrid than the Prius.
Hyundai can’t get it under $30k in Aus.
The Korean domestic prices you quoted are special tax exempt prices, because the govt there wants to ecourage hybrids.
LPI Hybrid by Kia/Hyundai will still be half the cost to fuel compared to the Camry Unleaded version
Prius is placed in a prestige bracket, according to Toyota. This is why it’s a lot dearer. Camry Hybrid is more mainstream, hence lower price. Also, the Prius has a lot more gadgets than the Camry Hybrid.
Gimmick – check this http://video.google.com/videop.....535911834# play 34:15
Apparently Hyundai had to cancel the Elantra Hybrid for Australia because they could not get it here cheaper than the Camry?
Kia has made a case for the Cerato LPI. You will see them during the Australian Tennis Open next year.
So how does that work? Does Kia have a cheaper manufacturing plant somewhere, or is the Cerato just lower quality materials than it’s Hyundai twin?
Also, I thought that Hyundai actually wanted to keep the new batteries Korean domestic market only for a few years to avoid worldwide fallout when something goes wrong with them and the sh1t hits the fan.
T/S,
Why did the Cerato pull out of the Global Green Challenge????
I would have loved to see it run, is it still coming???
I wonder how well Ford will fight for the fleets once their E-Gas update hits the shelf???
No secrets that the E-Gas is still cheaper to run than a Hybrid
I wonder if this time they are really gonna flog the “Green” line with E-Gas
Toyota plans to sell 10,000 in 2010 with most of that earmarked for fleets.
i hear that kia isnt going to import their lpg – electric hybrid because they couldnt compete with a 33k camry hybrid.i cant believe it will come in at 33, but apparently kia thinks it will be. A lpg electric falcodore – that would be of interest!!