Toyota has just announced it will cease production of their Australian-built vehicles and engines by the end of 2017. Ford and GM recently announced plans to shut down their manufacturing operations by 2017. This left Toyota with a tough decision to make as they were the last auto manufacturer to operate in Australia. Due to the high cost of operation and adverse market conditions, Toyota had no choice but to make this unfortunate announcement. Toyota Motor Corporation Australia (TMCA) is not planning to leave country but instead will focus on converting their operation into a sales and distribution channel, similar to how Toyota operates here in the USA.
The Altona Plant located just outside Melbourne currently manufactures the Camry (ASV50), Camry Hybrid (AVV50), Aurion (GSV50), 2AR-FE 2.5L I4 and 2AR-FXE 2.5L I4 hybrid engines. In 2010, TMCA announced the production of a 4 cylinder engine to be utilized in the 7th generation Camry for the ASEAN market. The newly employed engine production at the Altona Plant will sadly be short-lived. Aside from Georgetown, KY, the Camry is also built in Japan, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. It’s probable Australia will be getting their Camrys from Japan and Thailand as they are countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Source: Toyota Australia
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