Australian Built Toyota Camry Launched (AU)

Press Release

Australia’s most popular medium car, the Toyota Camry, has been launched in a new version – with an all-new chassis and styling. It is being promoted by Toyota as a prestigious vehicle – equal or superior to many of its imported competitors.

A high-tech luxury Grande model is included into the range for the first time as a direct competitor to imported brands in this growing segment of the medium market.

Toyota Camry will be available exclusively as a four-cylinder model in keeping with new market demand.

Australian-made Camry is part of a global launch of the new car which is expected to result in more than 750,000 being manufactured a year in six plants around the world before the end of 2007.

The Australian suspension calibration is shared in several other countries, including the Middle East, New Zealand and, in sports mode, the USA.

Camry Sportivo, which has an Australian-styled aero body kit, has been the platform for the launch of a sports-enhanced model in the USA.

New Camry has been purpose-built to meet growing demand for a stylish, well-sized vehicle that combines good performance and fuel economy.

Camry will be the beneficiary of growing demand, as customers look for lower running costs and sophistication.

Its twin-cam multi-valve VVT-i 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine now develops 117kW mated to an intelligent new five-speed automatic transmission with uphill/downhill shift control and gated shift.

Completely new external and interior styling provides a far greater feeling of spaciousness and comfort without overtly increasing external dimensions.

“Camry has taken a quantum leap in desirability,” Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said.

“The level of styling for global markets and the quality of its appointments and fit-out make Camry a direct competitor to medium imports and a serious alternative to locally made large cars.

“In the USA, Camry is the number one-selling passenger vehicle and it is regarded as being highly prestigious.

“New Camry in Australia takes the same step into the prestige market.

“It is now far more than a value-for-money entrant in the medium car market.

“It is a proud Australian-made export-quality vehicle – perhaps the new flagship of the Australian motor industry.

“It is the right car for the right time, built to world’s best standards.

“It is a vehicle that owners will be proud to drive.

“Camry’s reputation among its customers has always been strong.

“This model is set to further grow a strongly positive reputation in the community – and for good reason.”