Toyota unveils China-market Crown, Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) announces that it showed the new China-market version of the "Crown" and the "Camry Hybrid" on April 20 -- for the first time in China -- during a press conference attended by TMC President Katsuaki Watanabe at the 13th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

TMC, based on its "customer-first" policy, has been active in introducing market-specific vehicles into China. For the new Crown, TMC's development team carried out an exhaustive analysis of road conditions and driving habits in China, with the aim to improve such elements as ride comfort and safety performance-all in pursuit of a vehicle that comprehensively meets the needs of consumers in China.

09 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Regarding the Camry Hybrid, TMC announced plans at the press conference to produce and sell the vehicle in China in the near future. TMC has positioned hybrid systems as a core technology that contributes to cleaner exhaust emissions, the reduction of CO2 emissions and higher fuel efficiency. In 2005, TMC created a joint-venture production base for its core hybrid vehicle, the "Prius", in China-the first production base for the iconic vehicle outside Japan. TMC has also introduced hybrid models of the Lexus LS, GS and RX into the China market and aims to further popularize hybrid vehicles worldwide.

In a speech at the press conference Watanabe said: "TMC has great expectations and hopes for the future of the automotive industry in China. We are seeking to achieve sustainable development of the industry by working together with the people of China, the Chinese automotive industry, our partners, our dealers and our suppliers."

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