9th-gen Toyota Camry rolls out of Kentucky factory

MANILA: The ninth-generation Toyota Camry has officially rolled out of the brand’s factory in Kentucky.

According to Toyota’s United States (US) arm, the latest iteration of the luxury sedan — which will be sold exclusively with a hybrid powertrain — not only speaks to the popularity of the nameplate but also serves as a testament to the carmaker’s multi-pathway approach to electrification.

In addition, it also solidifies the Japanese automaker’s commitment to long-term job stability.

“Today would not be possible without our incredibly talented team members,” Toyota Kentucky Kerry Creech said.

“Starting production of the new Camry is another proof point that Toyota is committed to providing secure employment and has been for nearly four decades. We continue to stay true to that promise by reinvesting profits in this plant and preparing our team members for future production opportunities, including a variety of electrified vehicles,” he added.

The new Toyota Camry is powered by the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 225 horsepower (hp). Per the car brand, the said hybrid system has the most standard horsepower offered on a Camry.

An electronic on-demand all-wheel drive (AWD) system is also going to be available on all variants (LE, SE, XLE, and XSE) of the US-market Toyota Camry. The said technology will add seven more horses to the overall power output of the AWD-equipped versions for a total of 232 hp.

Per Toyota, the ninth-gen Camry will have standard selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport) to help tailor the car’s performance depending on the driving condition.

Toyota Kentucky

Toyota Kentucky started producing the Camry model in 1988. After 36 years and $10 billion (approximately P573.885 billion) worth of investments, the company’s plant in Georgetown continues to build the iconic luxury car with more than 11 million units assembled.

“I feel blessed for the many years I have spent with Toyota and am proud of all the great things we have achieved,” Production Team Leader Markee Robinson noted.

“While our plant continues to grow and change, I am confident that Toyota will continue to provide job stability and secure employment for decades to come, just as they have for me and my family,” he added.

Toyota announced new investments totaling more than $18.6 billion (around P1.067 trillion) into its US manufacturing operations since 2021 to support electrification efforts.

“Congratulations once again to Toyota. Over the decades, Toyota has never wavered in its commitment to its employees and this community,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear commented.

“Relying on their continuous improvement mindset, they continue to find ways to renew this plant and provide future opportunity and stability for the nearly 10,000 Kentuckians who work here. They are a first-class employer in this community and state,” he added.

Photos from Toyota

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