PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA HINTS AT ITS LOCAL HYBRID
FUTURE
Toyota Australia has celebrated winning the right to manufacture
a hybrid car in Australia by producing a stylish concept car.
Developed locally by Toyota Style Australia, the HC-CV (Hybrid
Camry Concept Vehicle) had its world premiere ahead of the 2009
Melbourne International Motor Show.
The unveiling of the concept car marks the start of a 12-month
countdown to the launch of Australia's first locally produced
hybrid car, based on the best-selling Camry sedan.
Toyota Australia president and chief executive officer Max
Yasuda said the concept car was the most important vehicle on
the company's motor show stand.
"The startling paintwork, dramatic lines and sporty appearance
of this concept car convey the excitement and passion in our
company to produce Australia's first hybrid car," Mr Yasuda
said.
"The hybrid Camry - which will share some key design features
with the HC-CV - will play a key role in bringing the future to
the Australian automotive manufacturing sector.
"It is a future that uses less fuel while delivering better
performance."
The hybrid Camry uses a four-cylinder petrol engine linked to a
powerful electric motor.
It produces more power than a conventional petrol-engine vehicle
while delivering better fuel economy.
Mr Yasuda said many industry commentators were urging carmakers
to produce more fuel-efficient cars.
"Toyota is already the only local manufacturer producing a
four-cylinder car in this country. We have been building Camry
in this country - in Melbourne - for nearly 22 years.
"It's been Australia's best-selling medium car for 15 years -
and it's our leading automotive export.
"Toyota also produces the most fuel-efficient Australian-made
large six-cylinder sedan, the Aurion, in Melbourne.
"Our locally manufactured hybrid Camry will be launched early
next year."
Contemporary hybrid design
Toyota Style Australia corporate manager Paul Beranger said
Toyota has evolved the styling of its hybrid vehicles since the
late 1990s.
"HC-CV is our expression of the contemporary hybrid sedan," he
said.
The front of the car is characterised by expressive, sharp lines
and taught surfaces. It echoes the latest Toyota Hybrid styling
cues, with vertical fog lamps, larger lower opening and a
streamlined upper grille.
"The crisp corners indicate aerodynamic efficiency, while the
overall styling feel is efficient, yet dynamic," Mr Beranger
said.
"The lower grille texture is a random pattern, inspired by forms
found in nature, moving away from traditional constructed
patterns," he said.
The "aero" theme continues along the side skirts, which flow
into the rear diffuser, giving a sporty, yet lightweight and
functional appearance. The rear spoiler enhances the visual
appeal.
The headlights are symbolic of Toyota's hybrid image with a blue
hue. They fuse technical elements with natural forms. Some
lenses have a waterfall impression, while others are functional,
lightweight and technical in appearance. The rear LED lamps,
also with a blue hue, provide an unmistakable hybrid look.
Toyota logos on the car are also highlighted by a translucent
blue hue. The satin chrome front grille, mirrors and rear
boot-lid garnish add to the clean, crisp image.
The wheels are a combination of shear, overlayed surfaces and
graphics.
The body colour is unique - a satin white pearl with subtle blue
highlights to provide a serene, calm feeling. The paint allows
intricate detailing and features to show through.
The interior uses contrasting coloured trim. Highlights of
metallic blue have been applied asymmetrically to the seats in a
wave-like graphic reminiscent of the Hybrid Synergy Drive logo.
The seat embossing echoes the exterior grille mesh with a tree
bark-like pattern. White stitching adds a subtle, yet premium
touch. Satin chrome accents tie in with the exterior and add to
the tranquil environment.
