Toyota Begins Australian Camry Hybrid

Toyota began producing the Toyota Camry Hybrid in Australia at a line-off ceremony attended by Australia Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. The Altona Plant will build 10,000 units annually a majority of which will be sold in Australia starting in February 2010.

300 will be exported to New Zealand.

"Toyota Australia will be only the fifth country in the world that produces hybrid vehicles and that makes me proud of Australia. I expect that this car will bring a new set of business opportunities to the local community so that the Australian and Victorian auto industry will step to the next level—both economically and environmentally", said TMC Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo.

Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr; Victorian Premier John Brumby; other distinguished guests; TMCA President Masahide Yasuda and others also attended the ceremony.

Partial funding (AU$35 million) for retooling the plant came from the federal government, which is why the Prime Minister et. al. were present at the opening ceremonies.