According to recent sales data from Thailand, the majority of Toyota Camry and Honda Accord cars sold were of the hybrid variants. Only the two models compete in Thailand’s D-segment saloon market since the Nissan Teana was discontinued.
Headlightmag reports that from January to July 2022, a total of 5,541 D-segment saloon cars were sold in Thailand. Toyota sold 3,562 units of the Toyota Camry (64% market share) while Honda sold 1,979 units of the Honda Accord (36% market share).
Of the 3,562 units of the Toyota Camry sold, 52.94% (1,886 units) were of the hybrid variant. In Thailand, the petrol version of the Camry is powered by a 2.5-litre engine. The hybrid version is also powered by a 2.5-litre engine, albeit with electric assistance.
As for the 1,979 units of the Honda Accord, 53.71% (1,063 units) were of the hybrid variant. The Thai-spec petrol-powered Honda Accord uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The hybrid version, on the other hand, uses a 2.0-litre engine with a hybrid system.
Unlike in Thailand, neither the Toyota Camry nor the Honda Accord is offered in hybrid variants in Malaysia. Back in July 2021, UMW Toyota committed to producing hybrid models in Malaysia and invested RM 270 million in local operations and facilities. Earlier this year, Toyota even launched the locally assembled (CKD) Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. Prior to the hybrid, the Corolla Cross was already locally assembled.
However, given that the Camry is fully imported (CBU) from Thailand, a hybrid Camry (most likely also CBU) in Malaysia will not enjoy the same tax rates as the hybrid Corolla Cross. Given its current price of RM 209,800, a hybrid version would cost even more.
Honda also has CKD hybrid cars like the Honda City RS e:HEV. The petrol-powered Honda Accord is also locally assembled, but Honda does not offer it in the hybrid version. Currently, Honda Malaysia’s hybrid line-up comprises the City RS e:HEV (sedan and hatchback) and HR-V RS e:HEV.
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