Toyota Camry 2002 Review

International demand for Australia's "unique" Camry, driven by a steadily gained reputation for build and engineering quality, has TMCA balanced on the crest of a wave.

"The Arab states already want 40,000, and when you add in the other export markets, that will take us past the 50,000 export sales we had expected for next year," Toyota Australia senior executive vice-president John Conomos said at the recent Australian launch of the new Camry.

There are already test cars on China's roads, ironically both from Australia and Japan as the two manufacturing centres chase new sales.

With Toyota's production line in Victoria already closing on its capacity of 100,000 cars, substantial additional exports could tip the balance in favour of extensive expansion of the plant.

"That is one factor we would consider in any decision to expand capacity at Altona," Conomos says. "With a third vehicle on the line and new export markets there would certainly be reason to consider substantial investment in expanding the plant."

Toyota's Camry is found on the streets all over the world.

Countries importing complete built units are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, South Africa, Sudan, Tonga, Norfolk Island, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Marshall Islands, Palau, Federated States of Micronesia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.

Japan and Taiwan are also on the Australian export list but they only buy engines and components.