Toyota kicks off pilot production of home-grown hybrid

The Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr has congratulated Toyota on starting pilot production of the first home-grown hybrid.

Speaking from Toyota Altona, where the industry was gathered to celebrate pilot production of the Hybrid Camry, Senator Carr said it was terrific to witness the final steps towards full production of the hybrid, the first to be built in Australia.

“The hybrid Camry is a significant step towards a greener, more sustainable automotive industry,” Senator Carr said.

“It will give drivers an Australian-built choice if they are in the market for a hybrid.

“It is great to see growth and innovation – not just at Toyota, but across the Australian automotive industry - in spite of the global recession,” he said. “This is a major achievement for Toyota Australia - this plant is one of only five Toyota plants in the world making hybrid vehicles.

“The Camry uses a four-cylinder petrol engine as well as an electric engine; the petrol engine disengages when the car is travelling slowly or is stationary.

“The Australian government is contributing $35 million to the project from the Green Car Innovation Fund.

“The government will continue to work with the industry, particularly through the Green Car Innovation Fund, to build an Australian automotive industry with long-term economic and environmental sustainability."

The Hybrid Camry will be manufactured at Toyota’s Altona plant in Melbourne.