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Japanese auto giant Toyota today launched its all new Camry Hybrid in India, the first ever hybrid car to be locally manufactured, priced at Rs 29.75 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The company, which is present in India in a joint venture with the Kirloskar group -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said the vehicle will be manufactured at a separate assembly line within TKM's second plant located in Bidadi, near Bangalore, in Karnataka.
"Globally India is the 9th country to manufacture Toyota hybrid vehicles," TKM said in a statement.
The Camry Hybrid combines a newly developed hybrid exclusive 2.5 petrol engine with an electric motor and runs on 'Hybrid Synergy Drive', which senses when to switch between the two power sources petrol engine and electric motor. It delivers a mileage of 19.16 kmpl.
Commenting on the launch, TKM Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Hiroshi Nakagawa said: "The Camry Hybrid is India's first locally manufactured hybrid vehicle...It is our endeavour to offer the best vehicles with most advanced technology to India.
"Toyota is a pioneer in hybrid technology and thus we were very keen to manufacture the all New Camry Hybrid in India as well. This is in line with Toyota's global philosophy to encourage the use of hybrid vehicles across the globe, for a greener tomorrow."
TKM Deputy Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marketing and Commercial, Sandeep Singh, said the launch of the Camry Hybrid will further strengthen Toyota's global flagship brand.
"Our main objective behind introducing this product in India is to further generate awareness on hybrid technology amongst Indian customers," Singh said.
Toyota hybrid has a history of more than 15 years to its credit and sold over 5 million hybrid cars across the globe, he added.
The petrol Camry Toyota brand was first introduced in in India in 2002. In 2012, TKM began locally manufacturing the petrol Camry.
