Future of the Toyota Camry and related cars

Updated 8-15-09.

In 2009, Akio Toyoda took control of Toyota as President. He almost immediately dropped his predecessor’s 2002 plan to have 15% of world market share — up from 11% in 2002 — and demanded that Toyota change its priorities to focus on high-quality, affordable cars. Toyota’s current global capacity is ten million vehicles per year, but the company plans to drop its capacity. Akio Toyoda said that rapid growth had strained Toyota’s resources and resulted in overcapacity.

The Camry was refreshed for 2010.

Avalon is due for a redesign in 2011 or 2012, with a hybrid arriving about a year afterwards. The Solara will exist only as a convertible.

A four cylinder Highlander generates 187 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 186 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,100 RPM on regular fuel. A dual exhaust manifold helps low-end torque. The ULEV engine pushes power through a six-speed automatic transmission and, with a towing package, can pull 3,500 pounds. It is now standard on two wheel drive models.

The Camry-based Venza crossover shares Camry power — see the Toyota Venza page.