2012 Toyota Camry in China

by autoindustrie | November 15, 2011 4:13 pm

• Media launch of the new 7th generation Camry in China
• Total grade line-up and prices (China market) to be announced in December
• 3 main trim levels – standard LE, sporty SE, range topping Hybrid
• 2 powertrain options – 2.0-liter VVT-i with 4-speed automatic, 2.5-liter Dual VVT-i with 6-speed automatic

The Chinese market Camry is distinctly different from its North American (USA and Canada) and Australian market cousin. Known internally as the Global Camry, it is positioned as a mainstream midsize sedan, competing with the models like Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, and in Australia, entry level Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. In Asia, the Camry is positioned as a pseudo-luxury model, positioned just below entry level BMW, Mercedes and Lexus models. In-line with its upmarket intentions, the Asian market Camry is kitted out with far more toys and luxury features compared to its North American or Australian cousins.

Last week, Guangzhou Toyota, one of Toyota’s two vehicle distribution joint ventures in China, held a media preview of the new 7th generation Camry. According to Guangzhou Toyota, the Camry contributes 59.91% of Guangzhou Toyota’s annual sales, making the Camry the segment’s third best seller with 9.86% market share and Guangzhou Toyota’s core model. Guangzhou Toyota also sells the Yaris hatchback, EZ (Corolla Verso) MPV, Zelas (Scion tC) coupe, FJ Cruiser and Highlander (Kluger) SUV, Camry sedan and Alphard business class MPV. Toyota’s other joint venture FAW Toyota, sells the Crown, Reiz (Mark X), Corolla and Vios sedan, Prius, RAV4 and Land Cruiser 200 SUV, Previa (Estima) MPV, Coaster mini bus and Hiace commercial van.

The Chinese market Camry is the same model that we will be getting here in Malaysia (along with Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore), and possibly the next Australian market Aurion V6. The new Camry is due in Malaysia by mid-2012, in CKD form. Of course, some of the features shown here will definitely not be available; for example Toyota’s G-Book telematics and navigation system. Thailand however may receive this service as Toyota has recently announced that it will be launching a cloud-platform based telematics for emerging markets[1], starting with Thailand by March 2012. Also, Toyota Motor Thailand have already added a section on G-Book on its website[2].

We may not get all the toys that Chinese Camry buyers enjoy, but our local Malaysian market Camry will still share the same engine options, minus the Camry Hybrid (Malaysia’s tax incentive for hybrid vehicles is only applicable for engines below 2000cc). Thailand however, will of course continue to offer a Camry Hybrid since it is already sold there (and selling very well!).

The 2.0-liter VVT-i (engine code 1AZ-FE) in the latest Camry is a carry over from the previous model while the new 2.5-liter Dual VVT-i (engine code 2AR-FE) is shared with the RAV4. The new engine will supersede the current 2.4-liter VVT-i (engine code 2AZ-FE). For the new engine, Toyota claims a 10% increase in power and 24% improvement in fuel economy (now 7.8-liter per 100 km, manufacturer’s claim), compared to the previous 2.4-liter 2AZ-FE unit.

Despite maintaining the same 2775mm wheelbase, Toyota claims that the new Camry’s interior space have been lengthened by 100mm, thanks to more efficient interior packaging. The pedals for example, are now pushed 8mm deeper, front seats pushed forward 7mm while the rear seat gains 8mm. Front-rear seat distance now increased by 15mm while an improved backrest for the front seats recovered a whooping 46mm for the rear passenger knee room.

Standard Camry LE

The sporty Camry SE gains the following additional items over the standard Camry LE :
+ Black mesh grille (standard Camry LE has chrome grille)
+ Sporty bumper design
+ 17″ wheels (standard Camry LE 16″) with low profile tires
+ Paddle shifters
+ Black interior with silver accent panels (standard Camry LE has beige interior with faux wood trims)
+ Sporty 3-spoke steering wheel (standard Camry LE has 4-spoke)
+ Aluminium pedals

Range topping Camry Hybrid gets first-in class safety and exclusive exterior features including :
+ Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
+ Blind spot monitoring system (BMS)
+ Touch-screen navigation and telematics (G-Book) with reverse camera function
+ 10 airbags (including knee airbags)
+ Pre-crash safety system
+ Blue ascent tail lights and head lights
+ Exclusive grille

Also offered are JBL 5.1 audio system, sunroof, 8-way adjusting electric front seats and triple-zone climate control.

The exact specifications by each grade line-up and their prices will be announced in December.

Although the new 7th generation Camry has been announced, Toyota will not be retiring the current model Camry. Oddities of the Chinese car market meant that the market is big enough to support two generations of the same model simultenously. The current Camry will be repositioned as a value oriented model, possibly renamed as the “Camry Classic.” It is not a new practice, Guangzhou Toyota’s same make rival FAW Toyota currently sells both the current and previous generation Corolla side by side. The previous generation Corolla is still sold in China as the Corolla EX. So it is natural for Guangzhou Toyota to do the same.

Note that these images are official images for the Chinese market Camry, taken from Chinese auto portal Auto163[3]. The later set of photos are official images from TMC. Aside from the specific features, there may be slight differences in interior trim and colour and wheel designs depending on the destination country.

Source URL: http://www.motorindustry.org/2011/11/15/2012-toyota-camry-in-china/

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