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| (Photo: Toyota) |
With the introduction of the Prius in 1997, Toyota became the pioneer in the auto industry for hybrid powertains (electricity-gasoline). Nine years later, on October 12, 2006, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc. (TMMK) celebrated the launch of its first Camry Hybrid produced in North America.
Operating since 1986, TMMK is the largest North American manufacturing facility of the Japanese automaker, with a total capacity of 500,000 units a year. Approximately 48,000 Camry Hybrids will be assembled each year.
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| (Photo: Toyota) |
The eco-friendly version of America's best-selling car uses a 147-hp, 2.4-liter I-4 engine with a 141-hp, high-efficiency electric motor. The combined power rating is 187 horsepower. Gear changes are provided by an electronically controlled variable transmission (ECVT). This green Camry joins several other hybrids offered by Toyota in the United States, including the Prius, the Highlander Hybrid as well as the Lexus RX 400h and GS 450h.
Since 2000, when Toyota began selling hybrid vehicles in North America, the company convinced more than 420,000 buyers. Not bad, isn't it?
