New direction for Camry

Kiwis’ love for SUVs shows no sign of slowing with trends confirming they’re the country’s most popular vehicle-body style. 

But while there remains a loyal following for sedans, Toyota is refining its offering to focus on the executive-level Camry ZR.

This strategic move reflects evolving customer preferences and ensures the marque “continues to deliver vehicles that meet the needs of today’s drivers”.

While sedan sales have declined, Toyota NZ will continue to offer the Camry – although in just one grade, the ZR. Others will be phased out and production of the GX and SX for this market will discontinue this month.

Andrew Davis, chief strategy officer, says the Camry has served the marque and Kiwis well for three decades, taking a key role in the “no customer left behind” approach of Toyota.

“The Camry is the only remaining model in our medium-sedan segment, which has declined steadily as customers shift to SUVs. But we’ve listened to customers and will be keeping the ZR in our portfolio – it’s a way of streamlining our efforts into providing cars that Kiwis want.”

In its current guise, the ZR is powered by a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine with an e-CVT transmission. Its economy rate is 4.5l/100km.