User:Karrmann/Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a mid-size sedan assembled by Toyota in Georgetown, Kentucky; Altona, Victoria, woolaware, Sydney Australia; Guangzhou, China and the original factory in Toyota City, Japan. In some markets, the top range Camry models are seen as executive cars. The Camry has been the best selling car in the United States, its largest consumer market, for nine of the last 10 years starting in 1997, with the only exception being 2001. The Camry also sells very well in Australia, Canada and a number of Asian markets, in particular Cambodia where the vast majority of cars are Camrys. It has not sold as well in Europe and Japan; many criticize its design as ill-suited for European and Japanese tastes. An upbranded luxury version of the Camry was sold in Japan as the Toyota Windom until 2006; the related Lexus ES in North America, Asia, and the Middle East shares major chassis and drivetrain components with the Camry.

The 1992 Camry was listed #1 on USA Today's list "Cars that had the most impact on the US market from 1975 to 2000." Motor Trend named the 2007 Camry its 'Car of the Year', calling it "The car Toyota's rivals wish they could build."

Naming and Etymology
The Camry name was first launched in 1980 with the Toyota Celica Camry. The first model line independently named the Toyota Camry was launched in 1982 for the 1983 model year, and was classified as a compact car. It is primarily configured as a four-door sedan but at different times has also been available as a five-door hatchback, two-door coupé, and a station wagon. Starting in 1999, a sportier version of the Camry, the Solara, has been available as a coupe and a convertible. There are current rumors that the Solara will be replaced in 2009 by a new sports coupe based on the Camry layout.

The Camry underwent major redesigns and upgrades in model years 1987, 1992 (1990 in Japan), 1997, 2002 and most recently in 2007.

Other than the original Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry has always been an FF layout vehicle. This means the engine is transversely mounted to drive the front wheels. Some models have been offered with all-wheel drive.

The second and third-generation Camrys were rebadged to be sold as the Holden Apollo in Australia. The Holden equivalents were not successful even though they came from the same factory as the Camry. Since 2000, Daihatsu has sold a Camry twin named the Altis.

The name "Camry" comes from a phonetic transcription of the Japanese word kanmuri (冠, かんむり), which means "crown", as did the names of the Toyota Crown and Toyota Corona. Also notable is that the word "Camry" is an anagram for "My car."

Market position internationally
The Camry is consistently ranked as one of the most popular vehicles in the North American market. It is Toyota's "bread-and-butter" vehicle, so its marketing and sales strategy is cautious, aimed squarely at the center of buyer demographics, as most Camry buyers are not car enthusiasts.

The Camry is positioned directly below Toyota's flagship car, the Avalon (since replaced by the Camry-based Aurion in Australia) and the Lexus ES in its two largest markets, Australia and North America. It is considered a sub-luxury mid-size sedan. The Camry is rarely optioned above the Avalon or ES 330, but a fully equipped Corolla slightly overlaps with the base-model Camry.

The Camry was less popular in Europe, where the design was considered bland and incompatible with European driving habits. Toyota positioned the Camry as a BMW 5 Series rival, yet it lacked the cachet to compete. Following long-term poor sales, the Camry was withdrawn altogether from Europe in 2004, leaving the smaller, British-built Avensis as the top-of-the-line sedan. Because there is no station wagon version for the fifth generation Camry, the Camry sedan and the Avensis station wagon are sold side by side in markets like New Zealand.

After the introduction of the fourth-generation Camry, sales in Japan dipped. Prior to the fourth generation, Toyota adapted the Camry's design to suit Japanese tax laws and domestic market requirements. These versions of the Camry are bounded by a certain set of dimensions which would otherwise be unsuitable for export markets. These modified-for-Japan models were called the Vista, which became separate from the Camry in 2000.

For the fourth generation Camry, Toyota decided to split the Vista from the Camry. Both models still share a large number of components, but the fourth-generation split was more significant than the previous re-engineered splits. Though the Vista was sized according to domestic vehicle tax laws, the Camry (now called the Camry Gracia) was identical to those sold in foreign markets. This placed the Camry at a disadvantage as it was sized at the lower-end of a higher tax category, which included cars such as the Crown and Aristo, both aimed at a higher-end market than the Camry. The introduction of the A32-series Nissan Cefiro in 1994 may have prompted Toyota to change its strategy, despite the poor sales of the Scepter, basically a rest-of-the-world third-generation Camry, which was sold between 1992–1994 (only 4,885 units sold in total). The continued success of the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards the Nissan Teana) meant that some customers were willing to pay extra taxes for a larger family car, and so this marketing strategy continued.

As of 2005, the Camry is produced at Toyota plants in Japan, Australia; and Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, with CKD assembly operations in Vietnam, Philippines; and Thailand. It is also assembled from CKD kits at Toyota's local partners in Malaysia and Taiwan. 

The Camry was imported into China as the Toyota Jiamei until 2005. In 2006, a new larger model based on the Australian-designed Toyota Aurion was assembled locally and marketed as the Toyota Camry.

Starting from May 2006, the newest global Camry will also be produced in China's Guangzhou Toyota Motor Company, and from December 2007, it will also be produced in St. Petersburg, Russia. Toyota will also open a Camry engine assembly plant in 2008 in Tell City, Indiana.

Current competition
The Camry's perennial competitor, the Honda Accord, is often described as sportier and has traditionally been equipped with a few more performance-oriented options. However, the Camry has always been larger dimensionally than the Accord. It offered an optional V6 engine model, while Accord models didn't even have a V6 option until 1995. North American sales figures for the Accord and the Camry are usually comparable, with the Camry outselling the Accord every year since 1998, except for 2001. Many of the Camry's domestic competition has experienced decline in sales — such as in the case of the Ford Taurus, the best selling car in the US prior to 1997.

Recent comparisons have placed the Camry against the Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Hyundai Sonata, Nissan Altima, Mitsubishi Galant, Mazda6, Ford Fusion and the Chevrolet Malibu; and although the Camry isn't always the clear winner in terms of standard options, its reputation for reliability keeps its grasp on the best selling car award solid. 

In most parts of Asia, the Camry remains competitive against the Honda Accord, with the exception of China and Japan. In China, both the Nissan Teana and Honda Accord (two of Camry's main competitors) are produced locally, and, until recently, had a price advantage against the imported Camry, as Camry was not produced locally until May 2006. In Japan, its only competitor is the Nissan Cefiro (and afterwards, the Nissan Teana), but Nissan consistently outsells Toyota in this market segment.

In Australasia, the Camry sells well in comparison to the top-selling family cars, the Ford Falcon and General Motors' Holden Commodore.

In Europe, the Camry's success was always limited due to excessive size (which put it into competition with the Opel/Vauxhall Omega and Ford Scorpio) when compared to the European-developed Carina E and Avensis. After the 2006 model year, the Camry will no longer be available in Europe.

Celica Camry (1980–1982)
Originally launched as the Toyota Celica Camry in January 1980 for the Japanese home market, this model was essentially a second-generation Toyota Carina with updated body-styling and a front-end that resembled a 1978 Toyota Celica XX (known as the Celica Supra in export markets).

The car was based on the rear-wheel drive Celica (as were the Corona and Carina) and was powered by either a 1.6 L 12T-U engine producing 88 hp JIS (65 kW) and 128 N·m (94 ft·lbf) or a 1.8 L 13T-U engine producing 95 hp JIS (70 kW) and 147 N·m (108 ft·lbf). Towards the end of its model lifecycle, Toyota introduced a sports version of the Celica Camry equipped with the 16-valve DOHC 2.0 L engine from the Celica. This is the most sought-after version of the Celica Camry in the secondhand market today.

Although it has an identical 2500 mm (98.4 in) wheelbase to the Celica, the Corona, and the Carina, it is longer than the Carina but shorter than both the Corona and Celica. During its model cycle, over 100,000 units were sold in Japan. The Celica Camry was also exported to a number of markets using the Carina's name, and it replaced the second-generation Carina in those markets.

First generation (1983–1986)
In 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Camry became an independent model line, and was sold as a compact four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. There were limited exports, predominantly to right-hand-drive markets. At this point, Camry was positioned above the Carina and Corona, two other mid-sized models made by Toyota. A twin was announced at this point: the Toyota Vista.

In North America, the Camry was available with a 92 hp SAE (68 kW) 2.0 L 2S-ELC engine, 1.8 L 1C-TLC or a 74 hp 2.0 L 2C-TLC turbodiesel engine, four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body style, and could be purchased with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. In contrast to the rear-wheel drive Celica Camry, the Toyota Camry was a front-wheel drive vehicle built on an all-new platform. In Australia, only the petrol-fueled hatchback was sold.

The design of the first-generation Camry fit well within the box-shaped trends of the early 1980s. Additionally, the vehicle size and available options were characteristic of Japanese-designed cars of the time; the Camry was a small, inexpensive sedan with solid but spartan construction and competed indirectly against larger American counterparts.

The United Kingdom, and much of Continental Europe got the saloon versions: these were available in 1.8 GLi or 2.0 GLi trim levels. A 2.0 GLD turbodiesel was also offered, but this is rare nowadays. A hatchback version was also available.

Second generation (1987–1991)
The second-generation model debuted in 1986 for the 1987 model year, and included a station wagon but dropped the hatchback. At this point, it was still regarded as a compact car. In 1988, an all-wheel drive system (called All-Trac) and a 160 hp JIS (118 kW) 2.5 L V6 engine were added as options for the first time. The V6 was fuel-injected with 24 valves, and dual overhead camshafts, much like the upgraded 130 hp JIS (96 kW) 4-cylinder.

In 1991, anti-lock brakes became optional on the V6, LE, and wagon models.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, the first wholly-owned U.S. Toyota plant, began producing Camrys in 1988, where three trim levels of the second-generation Camry were made: the unbadged base model, the DX, and the LE. The 2.5 L engine and Camry chassis was repackaged as the upscale Lexus ES 250. The ES 250 was essentially the Japanese-market Camry hardtop.

The second generation Camry was extremely popular in the United States and it is not at all uncommon to see examples on American roads, even to this day (more than 16 years after production).

The 1987 Camry marked the first generation of Camry to be built in Australia. In fact, it was the first Camry ever made outside of Japan. A 1.8 L 4-cylinder engine rated at 64 kW (86 hp) was standard on the base model, while a 2.0 L 4-cylinder rated 88 kW (116 hp) was available on all others. In 1988, a 2.5 L V6 was introduced. The V6 sat the very top of the range, and was the only model to be imported from Japan. Due to its positioning in the line-up, and the high import duty it attracted, it was very expensive, and only sold in small numbers. In 1989, the 1.8 L engine was dropped, and was replaced with a carbureted 2.0 L engine, producing 82 kW (110 hp).

In Japan there was a GT model using the older 3S-GE engine as used on the Celica. This particular model also had a factory strut brace similar to an AE92 Corolla and rode on the V6 model's 15 inch alloy wheels. This particular model also had an electronic instrument cluster.

Third generation (1992–1996)
The third generation Camry (first sold in 1990 in Japan; in the US as a 1992 model year car) is regarded as the first to break into the large-car market, or what Toyota billed at the time as "world-sized". At the same time the Corolla was moved to the compact class, the Camry moved to the mid-size class. This model marked the transition away from an inexpensive four door vehicle into a larger, more luxurious family sedan. With the demise of the Cressida in 1992, this incarnation was intended to compete with the Nissan Maxima until the Avalon was ready for the market. However, in Japan, the 1992 Camry was a different vehicle, which shared its doors and fenders with the exported model, but was limited to the 1700 mm (66.9 in) width required to fit into a lower tax bracket (the 'number 5' bracket). The wider export model was called the Toyota Scepter in its home market.

In the United States, an automatic transmission became the only option on all but the base and sport-model Camrys, whereas previously, a manual transmission was available on nearly all trim levels.

In that market, both the four and six-cylinder engines received upgrades in displacement and power: the four was upped to 2.2 L and 130 hp SAE 5S-FE (97 kW), and the V6 to 3.0 L and 185 hp SAE (137 kW). In addition to the DX (also sometimes called Deluxe) and LE trims, 1992 saw the addition of an XLE luxury trim and the SE sport trim—presumably introduced to compete with the Nissan Maxima SE.

Some other countries followed the 2.2 L and 3.0 L engine choices. Toyota in New Zealand sold these models as the 220 and V6 respectively, the smaller-engined car filling the gap of the departed Corona.

It shared the rounded body panel look of many imports of similar vintage: the Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima, to name a few. This was a departure from the second generation models which, although they had many more rounded panels than the first generation Camry, were nevertheless generally slab-sided in shape. The third-generation Camrys had rounded features and a very curved silhouette.

The Vista continued in parallel, available in addition as a hardtop sedan. This is a similar car to the then new Windom, which formed the basis of the Lexus ES 300 in foreign markets, equipped with a 3.0 L V6 engine.

In 1994, Toyota released a coupe version of the Camry with styling very similar to the four door version. This vehicle would be dropped for the next generation, although it would later be replaced by the Camry Solara (discussed below).

The same year, the Japanese market saw a revised, 1700 mm wide Camry and Vista, with different sheetmetal, on the same platform. (The Japanese version of this page lists this as a 'fifth generation' model.)

The third generation Camry was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1992 and 1993.

In the US, the third generation Camry was facelifted for the 1995 model year. Minor exterior changes included a revised front fascia with different turn signals and more rounded headlights, reminiscent of those of the Geo Prizm, a rebadged Toyota Corolla. In addition, the rear fascia was updated, now with body-coloured plastic between the taillights (where it said "CAMRY"), instead of the red plastic on higher trimlevels and black plastic on lower trimlevels of the 1992 to 1994 models. The taillights themselves were also slightly different.

Australia
In Australia, the 4-cylinder Camrys consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan models (automatic only). The V6 range was known as the Camry Vienta and also consisted of the Executive, CSI and Ultima sedan model. The Camry Vientas were available in automatic transmission only. In 1993, a new sedan model called the Touring Series was launched which was fitted with sports suspension. In 1994, the range was revised slightly, where the Executive model was renamed CSI and the CSI was renamed the CSX. All V6 Models have a colour coded front air intake or grille.

In July 1995, the facelifted model was launched in Australia and was now built at the new Altona plant. This also marked the beginning of the exporting of left-hand drive Camrys to the Middle East. The 4 cylinder range consisted of the CSI and CSX models. The much rarer V6 models were simply known as the Vienta. The Ultima sedan was renamed the Grande model, and manual transmission was now available in the CSI and Touring Series sedan models. Manual is quite common V6 models. Towards the end of the model run, limited edition Getaway and Intrigue sedan models were launched. Yet again the Vienta models have a colour coded front air intake or grille.

United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the Camry range was more limited, compared with Japan, Australia and the United States. It was launched in October 1991. It consisted of the 2.2 GL and 3.0 V6 GX models in sedan and station wagon form. The GX version had automatic transmission only. Other changes to the line-up included:
 * From October 1993, the base GL model was rebadged 2.2i 16v, this version got a new 16-valve 2.2 L engine.
 * From June 1994, a new 3.0 V6 model was available. Like the GX, it had an automatic transmission only but was more basic.

Fourth generation (1997–2001)
The fourth generation Camry was launched in Japan in December 1996. It continued as a sedan and station wagon (called the Camry Gracia in Japan), though the latter model was not sold in the United States. This generation was launched in the US for the 1997 model year.

In 2000, the sedan models received a mid-model upgrade to the front and rear fascias, but remained otherwise similar to the 1997 to 1999 models. The Japanese Scepter ceased to exist as the Japanese Camrys adopted the 1795 mm wide platform.

The Vista began departing from the Camry, remaining 1700 mm wide and eventually forming the basis of the growing Corolla. In addition, the Vista's sheetmetal resembled a tall, formal sedan, while the Camry became sleeker. This "split" continues today.

The Lexus ES 300 was again built from the Windom, which uses the Camry chassis.

The Camry Solara was added in coupe form in 1999, and then a convertible form in 2000. In contrast to the third generation Camry coupe, the Camry Solara was a significant styling departure from the sedan. The Solara was available in SE and SLE trims, corresponding roughly to the sedan's LE and XLE trims.

In the United States, the Camry SE was dropped and the base model was renamed the CE for the 1997 model year. Both the LE and the XLE trims were carried over from the previous generation. The CE, LE and XLE were available with either the 2.2 L I4 or the 3.0 L V6 engine, although the Solara SLE was only available with the V6. The LE-based Collector Edition was new for 2001 model year.

Power was increased slightly to 133 hp SAE (99 kW) for the 5S-FE 2.2 L I4 and 194 hp SAE (145 kW) for the 1MZ-FE V6. Manual transmissions were only available on the CE trim level, LE V6, and any Solara model.

For the General Export Market, the Camry was offered as 2.2 GLX and 3.0 V6 Grande.

This was the first Camry to be sold as a Daihatsu; the Daihatsu Altis was identical to the export version of the Camry.

The Camry V6 was again on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1997.

Australia
In Australia, unlike the previous generation, the Camry name was also applied to the V6 variants, while the Vienta V6 range was revised as the "upmarket" models. The line-up of 4-cylinder Camry models consisted of the CSI, Conquest and CSX models (automatic transmission only), all three variants were available in sedan or wagon. The Camry V6 models consisted of CSI and Conquest, with the wagon models only available in automatic transmission. The Camry V6 Touring Series sedan model was launched in March 1999. The Vienta line up consisted of VXI and Grande sedan models and the VXI wagon. The VXI model was basically a V6-powered version of the 4-cylinder Camry CSX model.

In September 2000, the revised Camry was launched. The Vienta V6 range was discontinued due to the launch of the Avalon sedan in July 2000 and two new models were added to the Camry range: the top-of-the-range Azura V6 sedan and the Touring Series V6 wagon, both of which were available with an automatic transmission only. Towards the end of the model run, the limited edition Intrigue and Advantage sedans were launched.

Fifth generation (2002–2006)
In September 2001, the Toyota Camry was released as a larger sedan (taking styling cues from the successful Vitz, Corolla and Solara) only, but without a station wagon for the first time. Due to station wagons losing popularity to minivans, the Camry wagon was replaced by the Toyota Sienna in the USA, with the minivan using the Camry platform.

The front end of the car was relatively short, leaving a great deal of the length to the cabin, a technique adopted by compact cars. In contrast to the fairly squat fourth generation Camry, the fifth generation was a decidedly tall vehicle. It was 2.5 in (64 mm) taller and had a 2 in (51 mm) longer wheelbase than the previous model.

In the United States for 2002, the basic CE model was dropped but the SE sport model was reintroduced. Both the LE and SE models were available with a manual transmission when equipped with the four-cylinder engine. Any model could be equipped with a V6 or an automatic transmission, although the manual transmission was not available on V6 models. The Camry XLE had an engine that was equipped with a drive-by-wire throttle.

The 2002 Camry Solara remained on the fourth generation chassis, and received only minor styling upgrades to the front and rear ends. However, the Solara did receive the same 2.4 L 2AZ-FE VVT-i I4 engine that was available on the Camry.

In late 2004, the 2005 Camry was introduced with new upgrades such as a chrome grille (though the SE had a sportier grille), new headlight and taillight designs, and new wheels. A new base trim level was added, which was priced lower than the Camry LE. Interior upgrades to the Camry included a rear center head restraint, a storage bin in the door, Optitron gauges, and standard leather seating on V6-powered XLEs. A 5-speed automatic transmission was now available on both the V6 and I4 engines; the V6 engine receiving the new transmission for the 2004 model year.

The second generation Camry Solara was introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model. Again, styling from the Camry was radically different, taking design cues from the Lexus SC430. The 2.4 L VVT-i engine was still offered, however, a new 3.3 L VVT-i V6 was optional. The Solara also received the new 5-speed automatic transmission the sedan was given. In addition to the SE and SLE trims, a new SE Sport was offered. Unlike the first generation Solara, the SLE trim could be had with the four-cylinder engine.

Daihatsu continued with its twin Altis model for the Japanese market.

Australia & New Zealand
In Australia and New Zealand, the 2002 to 2006 Camry is available in four different trims: the Altise, Ateva, Sportivo, and Azura,. The Altise, Ateva, and Sportivo are available with either the 2.4 L four cylinder or the 3.0 L V6 engine, whilst the Azura was only available with the V6. Only the Altise and Sportivo models could be fitted with a manual transmission — all other models are equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. In 2003, the V6-powered Altise Sport model was introduced, which is basically the Altise model with the sports suspension that was fitted on the Sportivo and Azura models and was available in manual and automatic trasmission. The Australian and New Zealand Camry Sportivo corresponds roughly to the American Camry SE.

The Australian and New Zealand models were significantly different from the other Camry models around the world and had around 77% locally developed components to suit Australian and New Zealand roads and driving conditions. The brakes, body panels (which would only fit on the Australian made body and chassis), headlights, seats, radio antenna and suspension were all locally developed after 10,000 km of extensive testing in New Zealand under the supervision of Toyota engineers. Power output on the Altise Sport, V6 Sportivo and Azura models was 145 kW (194 hp) compared with the 141 kW (189 hp) of the standard V6 models due to a high-flow rear muffler.

When the revised range was launched in Australia and New Zealand in September 2004, the Grande model was reintroduced which, together with the Azura model, were the top-of-the-range models. The Grande however was fitted with the standard suspension rather than the sports suspension as fitted on the Azura model. The Grande and Azura models have Satellite Navigation (GPS) as standard equipment, and were the first Toyota models in Australia to be fitted with the new Toyota Link system. The Toyota Link system is a state-of-the-art satellite and mobile SMS GSM communications system that gives the driver access to roadside assistance and emergency help via the electrochromatic rear view mirror. In August 2005 the Altise Sport model was reintroduced (V6 auto only) together with Altise Limited (four-cylinder and V6) that has additional features. The Ateva model had an interior upgrade to leather trim and rear passenger air conditioning vents. The Altise was repositioned as a fleet model and manual transmission was no longer available on V6 Sportivo models from January 2006 production. Automatic Camrys in Australia still used the dated four-speed rather than the new five-speed introduced in the US across the range. The new 3.3-liter engine that replaced the 3.0 in the American V6 also did not come to Australia.

A number of milestones were achieved with this generation's Camry in Australia. The one millionth Camry (Black Azura) built in Australia and 10 millionth Camry worldwide rolled off the production line at Altona in September 2004. In May 2006 Toyota Australia exported the 500,000th Camry to New Zealand, in recognition of the relationship between Toyota Australia and Toyota New Zealand. More than 90% of Australian Camry exports are left-hand drive vehicles to Middle East countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The overseas demand for the Australian-made Camry is still running at record levels, despite the release of an all-new model in August 2006. The current Australian-made Camry remains one of the top-selling passenger vehicles in Saudi Arabia. In the Middle East, the fifth generation Camry is available in 4 trim levels: XLi, GLi, Touring, and Grande V6.

A high performance concept of the Toyota Camry, named the Toyota Camry TS-01 was shown at the 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show. This concept vehicle had significant performance and visual upgrades from the production Toyota Camry and was one of the concept vehicles designed what is now TRD Australia.

Taiwan & Malaysia
The Camry in Taiwan and Malaysia of this generation looked very similar to other versions, but the front end had a "thicker" grille and larger, all-white, differently shaped headlights. The reverse lights were moved onto the trunk and were somewhat similar to the lights on a second generation Avalon's trunk. The older models (2002), had tail lights with a white streak across them, while some later models (2004 and later) did not.

Philippines
The 5th generation Camry was initially introduced with 2.0 and 2.4-liter engines, with four-speed automatics and no manual option. Compared to the US version, this had a different front end design (grille and headlights), as well as inner taillight garnishes. The facelifted version saw off the 2.0 and introduced the 3.0-liter V6 with five-speed automatic along with new colors and wheel design.

Sixth generation (2006-present)
The sixth generation Camry went on sale in March 2006. It was significantly redesigned, with a 56mm longer wheelbase, but the overall length remained the same. It was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show [1] alongside a hybrid version.

The rear of the car features the controversial 'Bangle-butt' design first seen on the 2002 BMW 7 Series, as well as certain elements previously seen on recent Hyundais and Mazdas, notably in the headlights and grille.

The sixth generation Toyota Camry sold in some countries in Asia and the Middle East have different exterior body parts and a similar interior to the Camry depicted. This model is also sold as the Toyota Aurion.

Sales in the United States, the primary market for the Camry, significantly increased in the year following release. Quarterly record sales totalled 46,630 for second quarter of the American 2007 model year.

International production
Toyota Camrys are produced at Georgetown, Kentucky, USA, Aichi, Japan, Melbourne, Australia, and in China (for the Chinese market only). The Camry sold in China shares the front and rear design used for the Australian 6 cylinder 'Aurion' (see below).

On 20 April 2007, Camry manufacturing began at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. in Lafayette, Indiana USA, with intended production of about 100,000 units per year.

A Camry manufactured in Japan is denoted with a VIN starting with "J", as well as a small hatch on the passenger's side of the front bumper containing equipment that is compatible with Japanese towing systems; US-made models are denoted with a VIN starting with "4".

Awards in North America
The sixth generation Camry won AJAC's 2007 Canadian Car of the Year awards in both Family Car categories: "$22k-$30k" category (Camry LE) and "over $30k" category (Camry Hybrid). In the US, the sixth generation Camry (all models) won the 2007 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Australia & New Zealand
The sixth generation Camry went on sale in Australia and New Zealand on August 20, 2006. For the first time in 18 years, it is marketed in those countries as a four cylinder model only. The simplified model range consists of the 'Altise', 'Ateva', 'Sportivo' and 'Grande'. The Grande model was the first Australian-made Camry to be fitted with rain-sensing wipers, stability control, traction control and Bluetooth connectivity. Stability control was not available across the range until August 2007.

The six cylinder version of the Camry is sold as a separate model, the 'Aurion'. It has a slightly different interior, and slightly different front and rear body panels. Australia and New Zealand are the only markets in the world that have two 'Camry' body styles available concurrently.

Awards

 * The 2007 Camry won Motor Trend Car of the Year Award.
 * The 2006 Camry won ConsumerSearch's Proven Reliability Award in Best Family Sedans in June 2006.

Camry Hybrid
For 2006, Toyota created a hybrid gasoline/electric Camry called the Camry Hybrid that was introduced alongside the redesigned 2007 Toyota Camry. It uses a Hybrid Synergy Drive setup similar to that of the Toyota Prius, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX 400h, which mates Toyota's 3MZ V6 with an electric motor. However, the Camry Hybrid utilizes a 4-cylinder engine as opposed to a V6, a setup that will produce 192 hp (143 kW).

Standard features include remote entry and start, side torso airbags, knee airbags and side-curtain airbags. Although the first Camry Hybrids were initially built in Japan, most Camry Hybrids are currently built at the company's Georgetown, Kentucky plant, with about 45,000 projected per year at TMMK (with additional models imported from Japan on an as-needed basis). The Camry is currently the second largest available car in the North American market with an available hybrid powertrain after the Saturn Aura.

Mileage ratings for the Toyota Camry Hybrid are 40 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

Crash test results
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) publish crash information for Camry. The third-generation Camry was tested only frontal (NHTSA) and frontal offset (IIHS) crashes. NHTSA gave the vehicle two stars for the driver, one star for the passenger, depending on the year. The IIHS scored it poor overall, with three out of six categories listed as acceptable and the other three listed as marginal.

The sixth generation model Toyota Camry received a four-star safety rating as a result of Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) testing.

NASCAR


Beginning in 2007 NASCAR will use the Toyota Camry in the NEXTEL Cup Series. Toyota became the first non-American manufacturer to field a car in NASCAR's top series since the British-made MG in 1962. It should be noted however that Toyota has raced the Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 2004.