Camry hybrid selling at record pace

Toyota's Camry Hybrid is selling like crazy these days. Last year, Toyota managed to sell 54,477 Camry Hybrids, an impressive figure no doubt, and sales are showing no signs of slowing down. For example, in the month of March, Toyota set a new record for the hybrid version of the Camry by selling 6,930. For the year, it is on track to sell over 60,000 of its midsize hybrid sedan, a 10 percent increase over the previous year. In fact, the Camry Hybrid, which is EPA rated at 33 miles per gallon city and 34 miles per gallon highway, is easily outselling the 268 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 powered model, which is rated at 19 city and 28 highway. Historically, American buyers have shown a propensity to choose the largest engine available.
When sales of the Prius and the Camry Hybrid are combined, Toyota easily remains the world's leader in hybrid vehicle sales and appears a lock to remain that way, at least for the next few years.
[Source: Auto Observer]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
EVan 9:35AM (5/01/2008)
I'd still opt for the Ford Escape Hybrid, best among the hybrids out there in my opinion.
At $26,240 the Escape Hybrid costs less than the $27,389 Camry. It gets better fuel economy in the city, is roomier and more capable, and most of all is buit right here in the US.
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anthony94114 10:11AM (5/01/2008)
I too think the Escape is fetching. I test drove one and have ridden in a bunch of Escape NYC taxis. Unfortunately, it stops like a Flinstone-mobile. It suffers from stopping distances that are unbelievably long. Too dangerous.
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Dave 12:19PM (5/01/2008)
Hey EVan, I'm pretty sure that just about all the Camrys including the hybrid sold here in the US, are also built here in the US.
Digging a bit further, the Camry Hybrid and it's powerplant are built at Toyota's plant in Kentucky, alongside regular Camrys, Solara and Avalons.
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Kevin Nugent 8:34PM (5/01/2008)
I would be more inclined to the mercury mariner hybrid
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s10 8:36PM (5/01/2008)
Hey Evan,
Also the Hybrid powertrain was many Toyota ideas and parts in it.. like the transmission.. build in Japan. Also the Batteries are build in Japan.
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s10 8:37PM (5/01/2008)
I was referring to the Ford Hybrid of course...
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