Hybrid Camry’s two major awards top off debut year

Hybrid Camry’s two major awards top off exceptional debut year

Toyota’s Hybrid Camry has won its first two major Australian awards, capping an amazing debut year for the Australian-manufactured car which has also proven its credentials on this side of the Tasman.

Nine of Australia's most senior Fairfax Drive motoring journalists voted Hybrid Camry winner of the prestigious Green Innovation Award, and it also won the People's Choice Award following an on-line poll.

It is the second year running that a Toyota petrol-electric hybrid has claimed these two awards, following last year's victories by the Prius.

Toyota New Zealand General Manager of Sales and Operations, Steve Prangnell says the Hybrid Camry brings the performance and fuel-saving benefits of Toyota's hybrid technology to mainstream car buyers.

"It delivers large-car performance while substantially reducing fuel bills and environmental impact compared with other similar-sized family cars," he says.

“It has a spacious and airy cabin, plenty of back-seat space, a large boot and a full-size spare wheel.”

The motoring writer judges praised Hybrid Camry for its small-car fuel consumption and above-average engine performance. They described it as a breakthrough car for the Australian automotive industry, offering a tangible benefit as soon as it is driven from the showroom.

Mr Prangnell says the Hybrid Camry’s win in the 'Medium Class' category of this year’s AA Energywise Rally proved its real-world environmental credentials as the cheapest car to run per kilometre in the New Zealand market.

“Since its release earlier this year, the Hybrid Camry has also opened the eyes of the cost-conscious company fleet sector. It is rapidly gaining momentum with managers who want to reduce their fleet’s running costs and emissions without sacrificing driver power or comfort," he says.

“While other vehicle manufacturers struggle to meet demand for low-environmental impact vehicles, Toyota’s 30 years of investment in hybrid technology is paying off.”

Mr Prangnell says the awards are a tribute to the quality being achieved by Toyota New Zealand’s colleagues at the Altona plant in Melbourne.

ENDS

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