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Toyota has announced that it will start production of a petrol-electric hybrid version of the Camry sedan in Australia and Thailand.
Using similar powertrain technology to the smaller Prius hatchback, the Camry Hybrid will be going into production in 2010 at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia's Altona factory near Melbourne, with an annual target of 10,000 vehicles.
The centre for production in Thailand is Toyota Motor Thailand's Gateway Plant, where the aim is for 9000 vehicles to be built each year from next year.
Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe says: "We decided to build the Camry Hybrid in Australia because Australians are keenly aware of environmental issues, including global warming, and we are confident the Camry Hybrid will be well-received. Toyota intends to make further efforts toward popularising hybrid vehicles."
The conference was attended by leading members of the Australian Government, including Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Toyota introduced the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Prius, in 1997. It aims to sell one million or more hybrids a year as soon as possible after 2010.
