Toyota will produce the Camry Hybrid sedan in Thailand to meet growing domestic demand for energy-efficient vehicles.

Three models of the hybrid version of the Camry will be launched at Motor Expo 2009 late this year, Wichien Emprasertsuk, senior vice president of Toyota Motor (Thailand), said yesterday.

The move follows the introduction in the first four months of the Altis powered by natural gas for vehicles.

Thailand is the first country outside of Japan and the United States to assemble Toyota hybrid vehicles. The hybrids will be sold only in the domestic market, said Mitsuhiro Sonoda, president of Toyota Motor Thailand.

In the initial phase, 9,000 units will roll off Toyota's Gateway Plant in Chachoengsao per year, he said.

Toyota hopes that the hybrid cars would further strengthen its leadership in the sedan market. As part of the Toyota Eco Project, the manufacturing technology is adjusted to ensure the least environmental impacts through designing, production and raw material recycling. Earlier, Toyota cut production, but has recently called back subcontract workers to make more passenger vehicles as demand picks up.

Wichien said that to attract buyers, the company has joined hands with dealers nationwide to develop an after-sales service package combining car financing, insurance and vehicle maintenance.

The company is also promoting its sales distribution channel for those who want to buy a used car or sell one through Toyota Sure outlets. The problem of delayed delivery of some passenger vehicles has been solved. Now Toyota can deliver the vehicles to customers in time, he added.