Four Toyota vehicles including two of its locally built sedans have been named finalists in the annual Australia’s Best Cars Awards judged by the premier motoring clubs.
The Australian-built cars are the powerful yet fuel-efficient Camry Hybrid H and the V6-powered Aurion AT-X, both of which are produced at Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant in Melbourne’s west.
The other two Toyota vehicles named as finalists are seven-seat family wagons – the Prius v hybrid and the Prado GXL turbo-diesel.
Including Lexus, judges have cited the Toyota group for an industry-leading total of seven finalists, including the hybrid-powered Lexus IS 300h and GS 450h plus the dynamic GS 350 F Sport.
The news represents continued success for the Camry Hybrid H and the Lexus GS 350 F Sport, both of which won their respective categories last year in Australia’s Best Cars.
Australian Automobile Association chief executive Andrew McKellar said the awards provide a comprehensive insight into the new-car market and can be used as a guide when buying a new vehicle.
“The finalists are the very best cars in their respective categories based on safety, value for money and performance,” Mr McKellar said.
Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the company is proud it builds two of the nominated cars in this country.
“It is a tribute to our entire workforce that the two vehicle lines we produce in Australia – Camry and Aurion – have been recognised in this way by Australia’s Best Cars judges,” Mr Cramb said.
“They have independently rated these two sedans ahead of a large number of vehicles from around the world, confirming that Australia produces cars with world-class levels of quality, performance, features and value.
“These nominations make us even more determined to transform our business so we can continue building cars in the future.
“It is also highly significant for the future of motoring that four of the Toyota and Lexus vehicles have hybrid technology and that the Camry is the only hybrid car built in Australia,” he said.
Toyota Australia expects to build approximately 106,000 Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion sedans this year, of which about 70 per cent will be exported.
The local carmaker recently posted two manufacturing milestones – the production and sale of its two-millionth locally built car for the domestic market and its one-millionth vehicle exported to the Middle East.
The achievements coincide with the 50th anniversary of Toyota cars being manufactured in Australia.
