Toyota May Shift Korean-Bound 2012 Camry Production from Japan to the U.S.

While the Lexus brand has been active in South Korea since 2001, the Toyota brand made its debut in the market only just last year. During 2010, the Japanese company sold some 4,200 Camry sedans, making it one of the best-selling foreign cars in the country.

As expected, Toyota is planning to sell the new generation of the Camry in South Korea starting from early 2012. However, the Nikkei business daily reported on Monday that the Japanese company is mulling transferring production of the South Korean Camry from Japan to the United States.

The Japanese daily says the reason why Toyota is contemplating such a move, is not only because of the strong yen, but also because of a free trade agreement between the U.S. and South Korea that would further help reduce the export costs of the mid-size sedan.

Toyota refused to comment on the report.

Story sources: Nikkei via Reuters

PHOTO GALLERY

2012 Toyota Camry Appears in Different Form in Ukraine [High-Res Gallery]

After this week's world premiere of the North American market 2012 Camry, Toyota is now preparing the debuts of its mid-size sedan in other regions of the world. First up is the Ukrainian version, which will most likely be offered in the same form in other surrounding markets including Russia.

While both iterations of the 2012 Toyota Camry share the same body and platform, the Ukrainian model sports a different and more prominent front-end design with bespoke headlamp units, bumper, hood, grille and front fenders.

The profile remains the same while at the rear Toyota's designers extended the tail lamps and restyled the deck lid that now features a subtle lip.

Inside, the changes seem to be limited to the region-specific trim and color options plus a different glove box design.

Toyota Ukraine said the new 2012 Camry will be offered locally with a choice of 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter six-cylinder gasoline engines, and prices starting from US$33,050, with more details to be available before the end of the year.

Kudos to Sergii for the tip!

PHOTO GALLERY

New 2012 Toyota Camry to Serve as the Official Pace Car at DAYTONA 500

The just-revealed 2012 Toyota Camry sedan will be the first Japanese vehicle and the second non-American model to pace a Daytona 500 race since the series started in 1959.

The Camry you see pictured above and below will serve as the official pace cat at next year's event which kicks-off the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season on February 26 at the Daytona International Speedway.

“We’re thrilled to be able to feature the new Camry in Daytona at the season’s biggest race,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota corporate manager of motorsports marketing.

“We think the DAYTONA 500 is the perfect place to showcase the all-new Camry -- which will go on sale this fall. We knew when the opportunity arose to partner together with Daytona that it would be an extraordinary way to highlight our new Camry, as well as reinforce Toyota’s commitment to NASCAR and its fans,” Laukes added.

PHOTO GALLERY

2012 Toyota Camry Video Bonanza

We have covered the 2012 Toyota Camry extensively these past few weeks, from the moment we first laid our eyes on an unofficial video from the dealer presentation in Las Vegas up until today when the Japanese automaker officially revealed the car.

And now, following our detailed report on the ins and outs of the new Camry, we have a plethora of videos including a walkaround with Toyota Senior Product Education and Development Specialist David Lee who talks about the features of the mid-size sedan and a promotional clip with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch spinning the Hybrid model around Daytona.

To check them all out for yourself, just follow the break.

VIDEOS