Toyota 'kills' Camry in Japan
After 43 years, Toyota has decided to discontinue the Camry line in the Japanese market to focus on SUV and Crossover models.
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In 43 years, Camry sales totaled more than 21 million units worldwide, including 1.3 million in Japan. However, by 2022, the midsize four-door sedan appeared to have cooled off, with just 6,000 units sold domestically.
The Japanese car market has recently shifted more toward SUVs and minivans, leaving sedans out of favor. According to a report from Nikkei Asia, Toyota dealers have been notified that Camry production will be discontinued. Domestic production will end at the end of this year. Most dealers have also stopped taking orders.
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Toyota has sold 10 generations of Camry in Japan, starting with the Celica Camry in 1980. |
However, the Camry will only be discontinued in the Japanese market. New Camry models will continue to be sold and developed for more than 100 overseas markets, including the US, where the Camry has been the best-selling car for 15 consecutive years, since 2001. Although many consumers in the US are also choosing SUVs and crossovers over sedans, the Camry is expected to remain strong for now, with an upcoming facelift expected to be based on the Crown crossover and the latest Prius.
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The latest Toyota Camry model - 2017, is currently on sale in Japan. |
Production will also continue in China. In fact, with 600,000 units sold globally last year, the sedan is still viable and growing, just not on its home turf.