Hybrid Camry to nip at Prius' wheels

Looking to extend its lead in the U.S. hybrid market and test demand for the technology on a broader scale, Toyota Motor Corp. today is to mark the start of production of its Camry hybrid at the company's Georgetown, Ky., plant.

The Toyota Prius, a funky-looking fuel-efficient car that comes only as a hybrid, has become a signature vehicle in the green-car movement.

But the Camry, the best-selling car in the United States at more than 400,000 vehicles a year, could be a better measure of just how far hybrids can spread to the masses.

With the Camry, Toyota is banking on hybrids becoming a requested feature for the typical customer, not just an oddity for someone looking to make a statement.
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EL34 - 10/12/2006 11:05:17 AM

-1 Boost

"Hybrid Camry to nip at Prius' wheels"

Of course, why would anyone want the kooky lookin' Prius when you have the funny lookin' Camry!

lexusis350 - 10/12/2006 2:01:04 PM

+2 Boost

The Camry is actually really stylish this year. The Prius needs a new design. The hatchback look won't catch on.

S4cabriofox - 10/14/2006 5:47:47 PM

+1 Boost

The Camry is contreversial... I don't find it very appealing.

1970toyotamarc - 10/12/2006 3:45:26 PM

+1 Boost

"The hatchback look won't catch on."
Take a look around, it already has.
Focus
Matrix
Vibe
Elantra
Rabbit
3 (Mazda, not BMW)
6 (again, Mazda)
Fit
Versa
xA
Aveo
and, of course, Prius, which is selling, what, 100,000 a year?
I'm sure I missed some

Rupert - 10/12/2006 5:26:17 PM

+1 Boost

caliber too.

lexusis350 - 10/12/2006 11:06:07 PM

+1 Boost

Fine, but 70 horsepower has never been in style.

Rupert - 10/12/2006 5:21:26 PM

0 Boost

turn that grill on the camry upside down and it fits on a hyundai veracruz....

aznstuart - 10/12/2006 6:59:00 PM

+2 Boost

yup, that's exactly what the Hyundai engineers did.

Hyundai - 10/12/2006 9:06:19 PM

+2 Boost

I know! It is shocking isn't it? A black Camry SE V6 was the first 2007 Camry I saw 'in the sheetmetal' on the road. Man, that was one sexy Camry!

lexusis350 - 10/12/2006 11:07:35 PM

+1 Boost

The best Camry is an SE V-6 in silver. The back of the car is so attractive with silver, a spoiler, and the rear underbody spoilers. I think I might buy a Camry just like that one sometime.

XYZZ - 10/15/2006 2:06:19 AM

+1 Boost

i was impressed by a previous generation white camry with a spoiler. rather than bland, it was CLEAN and purposeful looking.

maybe because the vast majority of camrys on the road are just ordinary family sedans, when you see one with a spoiler and alloy wheels, it REALLY stands out.

i usta have a focus se with a spoiler. it grew on me (part of a package), and eventually all other focuses without spoilers LOOKED NAKED to me! they ARE sorta roundy-assed without a spoiler.

Matthew1 - 10/12/2006 10:49:42 PM

-1 Boost

The Camry's design pales in comparison to anything Europe offers.

Toyota's design motto: 'If we don't try, then we won't fail'

Hyundai - 10/12/2006 10:58:39 PM

+1 Boost

Ever heard of the Supra?

This is the NA market we are talking about here. You haven't noticed that there has been contraversey over this design? Some love, others hate. It is better than the last design for sure.

lexusis350 - 10/12/2006 11:09:35 PM

+2 Boost

You've got to be kidding me? First of all, have you seen the new Volkswagens? They're even uglier than before. Second of all, Toyota succeeds at everything it tries. And third, most of the top of the line German cars look more "pale" than the Camry. Go look at a Mercedes C, E, or S class.

Rupert - 10/13/2006 8:33:24 AM

0 Boost

toyota does not succeed at everything, lexusis350.
in europe most of toyota's models pale in comparison to european models.
corolla or golf/megane/focus/astra? golf.
avensis (we don't get camry) or passat/vectra/mondeo/laguna? not the toyota.
previa or espace/galaxy/807? not the toyota.
land cruiser and LC amazon or touareg/LR3/X5/Q7 etc.
not the toyotas. big non-premium suvs aren't generally sold here anyway.
the only toyota worth having is the rav 4 (and even then the cr-v could knock it for 6).

toyota doesn't have a good line-up here, nor a good image, nor great sales.

lexusis350 - 10/14/2006 5:32:45 PM

+2 Boost

I don't know about you, but I don't live in Europe. I don't drive my car in Europe. As for this country, Toyota succeeds at everything.

Rupert - 10/14/2006 6:47:22 PM

0 Boost

i know, toyota seems to equate to "can't go wrong ever is automotive god" in america.
but here? meh.

lexusis350 - 10/14/2006 8:46:53 PM

+2 Boost

Are you in a different country or something because if you are, you don't know how Toyota is looked at here.

Rupert - 10/15/2006 6:50:12 AM

+1 Boost

i think my consistent references to "we" and "europe" indicate that no, i do not live in america. thats what i was saying in america, toyota does no wrong, here (in the UK), it's distinctly avergae.

lexusis350 - 10/16/2006 9:51:54 PM

+2 Boost

I could tell by your stubborness that you were British.

Matthew1 - 10/12/2006 11:18:21 PM

0 Boost

You are confused.

Understatement and 'pale' are different things.

the C, E and S Class are understated, yet their proportions are perfect and their lines exude elegance.

The Camry has ugly proportions, droopy nose and bulging side panels.

An interesting note: Notice how aggressive and mean the E55 looks? Did you know AMG only tweaked the lower exterior panels and fitted bigger wheels to achieve this effect? This is an example of great design, a wonderfully elegant saloon can be turned into a attention-grabbing supercar with just the smallest of enhancements.

You would have to fit a big spoiler and huge front splitter for the new Camry to be anywhere as aggressive, but no where near as pretty.

XYZZ - 10/20/2006 7:26:41 AM

+1 Boost

obviously, there are differences in how specific designs are appreciated in different countries.

Dr. Livingstone (of Livingstone and Stanley fame) lived in africa for many, many years. he got to know and admire the african people. even his aesthetics changed over time.

he said that after awhile, white people looked pale and SICKLY to him. and black people were beautiful!

so it is to be expected europeans often don't share americans' views of good designs, and vice versa.