| Production plans | 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid |
The Toyota Camry has resolutely failed to sell in any great numbers in the UK and the rest of Europe, but that could change now that Toyota has announced production of a hybrid version, to be made in Australia and Thailand. Cars will begin to roll off the production line in 2009 in Thailand and then in 2010 in Australia.
Both countries are strong markets for the Camry and Toyota expects to sell 19,000 hybrid Camrys per year between the two. The Camry will also form part of Toyota's key commitment to sell 1 million hybrid vehicles annually by 2010.
Plans to bring the Camry hybrid to Europe are less clear, though the company says it is looking at the numbers. The Camry Hybrid uses a 2.4-litre petrol engine with 147bhp in conjunction with an electric motor rated at 45bhp; combined they give a maximum range of 650 miles.
Alisdair Suttie - 11 Jun 2008