PIMS 2024 Toyota Motor Philippines previews new Camry HEV as it goes ‘Beyond Zero’
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) previewed the all-new Camry HEV at the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.
The country’s largest automaker said in a press statement that the electrified executive sedan, which will be officially launched in the Philippines soon, features an improved hybrid-electric system that “offers exceptional fuel efficiency without compromising on performance or luxury.”
Looks-wise, the Camry HEV takes on the radical styling of the latest-generation Prius HEV – boomerang-style headlights and daytime running lights are joined by a slim front grill. This is balanced out by the sizeable lower grill and vents, along with prominent lines on the hood.
The side profile is identical to the previous model, particularly the character line that runs along the door handles and the upward kink after the rear windows. Out back, the LED taillights get the same boomerang treatment as the front, as well as a subtle trunk spoiler.
Although final Philippine specifications have yet to be released, the latest Camry HEV is available in other markets with a 2.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Combined output is 225 horsepower that is coursed through a continuously variable transmission.
The Camry HEV is just one of several vehicles that the Japanese carmaker has on display at this year’s PIMS that follow its “Beyond Zero” movement, which focuses on achieving carbon neutrality not only through reducing emissions, but also by creating a mobility ecosystem that benefits people and the planet.
Race-engineered Corolla Cross
Beyond Zero has three core pillars – Electrification, Diversification and Intelligence – and follows a “multi-pathway” approach to accessible vehicle electrification.
In other words, it continues Toyota’s long-running stance (spearheaded by Toyota Motor Corporation chair Akio Toyoda) of offering a variety of electrified models like hybrid-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and fuel-cell electric vehicles, instead of a full-blown push into solely battery electric vehicles (EV).
That’s why TMP’s PIMS outdoor display showcases the Corolla Cross H2 Concept that runs entirely on hydrogen. It uses the same turbocharged 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 engine from the high-performance GR Corolla H2 that was developed through various endurance races in Japan.
Toyota said in a December 2022 press statement that key advantages of hydrogen combustion in the Corolla Cross H2 Concept include being able to adapt existing internal-combustion engine technology, faster refueling times relative to EV charging and less dependence on limited elements like lithium and nickel.
The carmaker said at the time that the Corolla Cross H2 Concept is about 40 percent into development before it could reach commercial sale.
Battery EVs for cleaner cities
TMP also displayed two battery EVs at PIMS 2024, with the company stating that these types of vehicles are best suited for city driving and public transportation.
First is the Kayoibako concept, which features a boxy body and a steeply raked windshield for a truly eye-catching appearance. Other neat features include a window in place of a front grill and sliding doors with narrow, high-mounted rear windows.
The Kayoibako made its global debut at last year’s Japan Mobility Show. Named after the Japanese word for a configurable shipping container, it is designed for commercial and personal use.
This means this box on wheels can be used in last-mile logistics (deliveries to your doorstep) for a low volume of goods or even as a shuttle bus. The concept could also be made into a family van, with particular emphasis in providing adequate space for wheelchair users.
The second EV on display is something more familiar to Filipinos – the bZ4X. This electric crossover started worldwide sales in 2022 and has only been sold locally through gray-market importers.
The bZ4X sits on Toyota’s e-TNGA platform co-developed with Subaru (hence its twin, the Subaru Solterra). In other markets, the bZ4x is powered by a 71.4-kWh battery pack mated to a front-mounted electric motor – this produces 201 horsepower and 266 Newton-meters of torque, with a claimed maximum range of 510 kilometers on a full charge.
As of press time, there is no word yet from TMP on whether or not it would bring in the bZ4x.
