Post by Flash on Jun 10, 2008 0:34:18 GMT -5
Toyota builds hybrid Camry in Australia
Wow
This is Good
Australia is to become part of the global shift to hybrid cars, with Toyota planning to build 10,000 cars a year at Altona from the start of 2010, with subsidies from the Federal and State governments.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made the announcement here at Toyota's global corporate headquarters today at a joint media conference with Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe.
Mr Rudd said the Government would invest $35 million from its Green Car Innovation Fund to finance the tooling up for the new model, which will reduce petrol consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by a third compared with a standard Camry.
''This is about helping the family petrol budget and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions'', Mr Rudd said. ''A family driving 20,000 kilometres a year will save up to $1000 a year.''
Mr Watanabe said Toyota had decided to add Australia as a location for producing the hybrid Camry because it was confident it would be well-received, ''given the high awareness and concern that Australian people have on the global warming issue''.
''It is our vision at Toyota that early in the 2010s we will increase annual hybrid sales (globally) to 1 million cars a year.''
Toyota now sells less than half that number, mostly as the upmarket Prius, but is also introducing hybrid engines as an option for the Tarago, Lexus and 4Runner SUV vehicles. Later today Mr Watanabe is to announce that Toyota will also start producing hybrid-powered Camrys in Thailand.
Mr Rudd defended the $35 million Federal subsidy as an investment in research and development of new technology that would benefit the nation. ''I don't want to be the Prime Minister of an Australia that doesn't manufacture things any more'', he said.
Victorian Premier John Brumby said the decision would secure jobs for Victorian car workers.
"With car manufacturers moving on a global scale to produce green, fuel-efficient cars it is crucial that the Victorian auto industry secures a slice of this investment, which will add $150 million annually to our economy,'' Mr Brumby said.
Mr Brumby met Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe to lobby for the Camry to be built in Victoria on a recent trip to Japan.
Mr Watanabe today said Australia had joined Japan and the United States as part of Toyota's hybrid family.
He conceded the hybrid Camry would be more expensive than the regular model but suggested the $35 million subsidy might be used to keep the retail price down.
"It was only recently that we heard about the amount so we are not sure how we will use it,'' he said.
The Victorian Government will also contribute to the hybrid's manufacture and Premier John Brumby is expected to hold a press conference later today.
Wow
This is Good
Australia is to become part of the global shift to hybrid cars, with Toyota planning to build 10,000 cars a year at Altona from the start of 2010, with subsidies from the Federal and State governments.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made the announcement here at Toyota's global corporate headquarters today at a joint media conference with Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe.
Mr Rudd said the Government would invest $35 million from its Green Car Innovation Fund to finance the tooling up for the new model, which will reduce petrol consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by a third compared with a standard Camry.
''This is about helping the family petrol budget and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions'', Mr Rudd said. ''A family driving 20,000 kilometres a year will save up to $1000 a year.''
Mr Watanabe said Toyota had decided to add Australia as a location for producing the hybrid Camry because it was confident it would be well-received, ''given the high awareness and concern that Australian people have on the global warming issue''.
''It is our vision at Toyota that early in the 2010s we will increase annual hybrid sales (globally) to 1 million cars a year.''
Toyota now sells less than half that number, mostly as the upmarket Prius, but is also introducing hybrid engines as an option for the Tarago, Lexus and 4Runner SUV vehicles. Later today Mr Watanabe is to announce that Toyota will also start producing hybrid-powered Camrys in Thailand.
Mr Rudd defended the $35 million Federal subsidy as an investment in research and development of new technology that would benefit the nation. ''I don't want to be the Prime Minister of an Australia that doesn't manufacture things any more'', he said.
Victorian Premier John Brumby said the decision would secure jobs for Victorian car workers.
"With car manufacturers moving on a global scale to produce green, fuel-efficient cars it is crucial that the Victorian auto industry secures a slice of this investment, which will add $150 million annually to our economy,'' Mr Brumby said.
Mr Brumby met Toyota president Katsuaki Watanabe to lobby for the Camry to be built in Victoria on a recent trip to Japan.
Mr Watanabe today said Australia had joined Japan and the United States as part of Toyota's hybrid family.
He conceded the hybrid Camry would be more expensive than the regular model but suggested the $35 million subsidy might be used to keep the retail price down.
"It was only recently that we heard about the amount so we are not sure how we will use it,'' he said.
The Victorian Government will also contribute to the hybrid's manufacture and Premier John Brumby is expected to hold a press conference later today.