Al-Futtaim Toyota has announced the launch of the new Camry Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) for individual customers in the UAE.

This follows its successful testing and proven track record, Al-Futtaim Toyota said.

The new model offers individuals and corporations the opportunity to be part of the sustainable motoring movement, and to experience the power of Toyota’s HEV cutting-edge technology, said a statement from the company.

Toyota Camry HEV was first introduced in the UAE in 2008 in a limited quantity, to be tested by fleet operators in the local weather conditions. After the technology proved its efficiency both on the environmental and financial fronts, the car was officially introduced in 2012 and has since been transporting commuters around the UAE through practical, sustainable travel, while also saving over 6000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), it said.

Since its debut in 1982 and subsequent evolution over eight generations, Toyota Camry has come to be embraced by people around the world for its excellent performance, ride quality, and high level of quality, durability, and reliability (QDR). The introduction of an electrified version of the Camry cements the company’s continued efforts to create better cars and further reiterates its commitment to environmental sustainability, it added.

The new Camry HEV provides a comfortable and stable ride with superior handling characteristics, due to Toyota’s new global architecture (TNGA) platform, which retains all of the brand’s traditional values of superlative build quality and safety while injecting a fun driving experience that plays on all the senses, said a statement.

The model can be driven entirely by either electrical power with zero-fuel consumption and carbon emissions, or with a combination of a petrol engine and two electric motors depending on the vehicle speed and customer’s driving behaviour. The batteries in the hybrid electric drivetrain are automatically charged by either the petrol engine or when braking and decelerating, eliminating the need to plug in a power cord, it said.

Furthermore, the vehicle does not require a special fuel yet drives like any other conventional car. In addition, thanks to its top-class fuel efficiency, visits to petrol stations will be significantly reduced.

Suzan Kazzi, head of corporate communications, Al-Futtaim Toyota, said: “Camry HEV has been leading the sustainable mobility march since 2008, being the first marque that pioneered the HEV technology in the UAE.”

“With thousands of previous generation Camry HEVs crossing collectively over 100 million km through taxi fleets, the model saved collectively over 6000 tonnes of CO2 in the UAE, contributing to the cumulative 90 million tonnes of CO2 reduction generated by the global sales of 11.47 million electrified Toyota vehicles,” she said.

Electrification of vehicles has been an indispensable focus for Toyota since 1997 and the company has launched several hybrid electric vehicles in the past two decades, leading to a steady rise in the adoption of its environment-friendly cars.
 
Kazzi continued: “We feel very proud to know that the Camry HEV has been playing an active role in enabling the UAE Vision 2021, and realising the sustainability targets set by the visionary UAE Government.”

“We believe HEV is a real, practical solution for today’s environmental problems, posing no uncertainties or hesitations at all. With 26 km/l, the new model runs like the petrol engine vehicle, except that it drives more for less fuel and less CO2 emissions,” she added.

Combining two power sources consisting of a petrol engine and two electric motors, the hybrid electric drivetrain on the Camry HEV produces 208 hp. The drivetrain is mated to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) that executes smooth yet quick gear shifts, simulating a six-speed sequential shift transmission to deliver a new level of driving pleasure.

With an exciting interior featuring a distinctive design and offering convenience and comfort with a layer of luxury, the new car’s bold cabin is accentuated with a range of advanced features. This includes a wireless charging system for smartphones, dual-zone automatic air conditioning system, six-speaker sound system, multi-adjustable power front seats, and 60/40 split and reclining rear seats, among many others.

Further enhancing the driving experience, the all-new Camry HEV model introduces the latest in-vehicle information technology displays, offering a unique level of integrated information with minimal distraction. It relays information through 2 available interlinked displays; a seven-inch multi-information display within the instrument cluster, and an eight-inch audio/navigation control panel that is seamlessly integrated into the center console in a modern, flush-surface design.

As with any other Toyota model, safety remains a top priority for the vehicle and it employs the latest safety technologies. A comprehensive array of safety features has been added to protect vehicle occupants, including six SRS airbags, vehicle stability control (VSC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), hill-start assist control (HAC), as well as an enhanced body structure and platform structure, among many others.

Available in eight distinctive exterior and three interior colours, along with 18-inch alloy wheels, the new model lets customers express their individuality.

The car is available across all Al-Futtaim Toyota showrooms at only Dh133,500 ($36,344.7) inclusive of VAT, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service