It appears as if India might be finally opening up to the idea of hybrid cars. The facelifted version of the Toyota Camry Hybrid, launched in May, has been received well by the Indian buyers. According to the carmaker, the Camry hybrid has sold more than 280 units in the last 50 days, as against the 720 units sold in the whole of last year.
The updated Camry Hybrid went on sale for an asking price of Rs 31.92 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) — only Rs 3 lakh more than the conventional petrol variant. This pricing has been possible thanks to Toyota’s decision to locally manufacture the Camry Hybrid in India, making it the first carmaker in the country to do so.
N Raja, Director and Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motors said, “At present, the Camry hybrid constitutes more than 80% of the total Camry sales, showing increased awareness and acceptance of Hybrid in India.”
Moreover, the car received a price cut of Rs 70,000 under the Government of India’s FAME initiative, which further boosted enquiries from customers. The initiative, rolled out by The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, in collaboration with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) was designed to provide impetus to the nascent hybrid and electric vehicle industry in India, and also boost the government’s 'Make in India' programme.
This good response to the Camry is likely to provide a push to other carmakers to roll out more hybrid models. Honda is already working towards getting a hybrid version of its Accord sedan after launching the 2.4-litre petrol version in India next year.
Read our Toyota Camry hybrid facelift review