Camry Hybrid for Thailand in 2009

Toyota will begin production of the Camry Hybrid in Thailand in 2009. Toyota is to produce 9,000 units a year in Thailand, starting in 2009.

In order to make the adjustments to the assembly line at the Gateway plant in Chachoengsao province, Toyota is making an investment of THB 90 million.

Toyota simultaneously announced that the Camry hybrid will also be produced in Australia, which is currently a production base for the Camry model. Australian production will run at 10,000 units per year.

In Thailand the batteries and motors will be imported for local assembly, but the Thai government is working on ways to encourage Toyota to start local manufacture of their hybrid system.

The Camry might not be the obvious choice for a hybrid car in Thailand, but for Toyota it was the most cost effective choice, as the Camry is already in production here.

The Camry Hybrid will cost quite a bit more than a regular petrol version, even with the lower excise duty for hybrid vehicles, which is set at 10%, compared to the 30% for regular vehicles with engines under 2.0 litre, and 35% for engines between 2.0 and 2.5 litre capacities.

Related : Toyota Seeking Special Privilege for Camry Hybrid