Toyota Camry Axed In Japan After 43 Years

After 43 years, one of the longest running model nameplates from Toyota will be discontinued. Reports online indicate that the Camry will not see a new generation, but only in Japan.

The model’s decline in popularity and sales in its home market seems to be the catalyst, the latter reflected by the fact that just 6,000 units were sold last year. In contrast, the model fared better in overseas markets, with Toyota reportedly selling no less than 600,000 units of which annually.

Japan-spec Toyota Camry pictured (Image source: Toyota Japan).

Japan-spec Toyota Camry pictured (Image source: Toyota Japan).

Toyota has reportedly notified its Japanese dealers that production of the Camry for domestic customers will cease at the end of the year. However, production will continue for export. Key to this shift is the rise of local Japanese consumers demanding for more crossovers and SUVs instead of the traditional saloon.

L-R: Toyota Corolla Cross (GR Sport) and latest-gen Toyota Crown.

This shift in consumer trends prompted Toyota to adapt, as proven through the creation of the Corolla Cross and latest generation Crown. The former stands as a new crossover variant of yet another popular sedan nameplate whereas the latter saw Toyota completely transform its flagship saloon into an SUV.

First introduced in 2017, the current Camry shares its designs and customer demographics with the Crown in Japan. It also shared its platform and demographics with the slightly larger Avalon, which was discontinued in 2022. Presently, a new generation Camry is set to debut in 2024, but it won’t be offered in Japan.

Current Malaysian-spec 8th-gen Toyota Camry (XV70) that was refreshed in early 2022.

Key enhancements of the updated 2022 Toyota Camry include an upgraded 'Dynamic Force' powertrain.

Though axed in Japan, sales and production of the latest eighth-gen Camry (chassis code: XV70), which underpins the latest Toyota New Global Architecture Platform (TNGA), will continue in other markets for the time being. Locally, the model was refreshed in early 2022 with a new ‘Dynamic Force’ powertrain upgrade.

Said upgrade sees the Camry gaining a peppier 2.5-litre 4-cyl mill delivering 209 PS and 253 NM to the front wheels via a new 8-speed ‘Direct Shift’ automatic transmission suite. Altogether, the package promised an 8% improvement in fuel efficiency with a claimed average of 6.8 litres/100 KM plus improved overall performance.

Standing as a leader in the D-segment saloon market space, the eight-gen Camry has grown in both size and kit count over its generations, with this latest-gen version offering plenty of luxurious amenities plus a full swing of active driver assists (ADAS) features. It currently retails at RM219,800 sans insurance.