Toyota Camry to be Axed in Japan After 43 Years

The overwhelming popularity of SUVs combined with the ongoing chip shortage is forcing automakers to abandon less popular cars, even if some of these are big names. The Toyota Camry is the latest example.

Don’t worry, the Japanese midsize sedan is safe here. However, production for its domestic market will end at the conclusion of this year according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Dealers have stopped taking most new orders already.

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Around 1.3 million Camrys have been sold in Japan since its debut there in 1980. While it may sound like a lot, think about this: Toyota has managed to sell over 13 million units in the U.S. alone. Last year, Japan accounted for less than 1 percent of global Camry sales.

Despite bowing out in its native land, the Camry will continue to be built for other markets where it is enjoying more success. North America is one, but we’re left wondering for how long. In Canada, Camry sales fell 14 percent in 2022.

Will the next generation provide a substantial boost? Hopefully yes. However, as we told you a few weeks ago, it looks like a new Camry isn’t coming before 2024 as a 2025 model.

We expect the venerable sedan to follow the lead of the Highlander crossover by replacing the 3.5-litre V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine should logically be back along with the Camry Hybrid, both of which could gain more power and efficiency.

The exterior design is likely to borrow some cues from the Crown as well as the new Prius, while the cabin will finally incorporate Toyota’s new multimedia system, joining a growing list of models that have already done so.