ADVERTORIAL

Mon, 24 Feb 2003, 00:00 WIB

ADVERTORIAL

Toyota Camry ranked as top vehicle in Indonesia

With a good international reputation, Toyota Camry seems to be
car of perfection in Indonesia. Only two years since it was
introduced in the local market in October, 2000, the car has
become the darling of Indonesian car enthusiasts.

The appreciation is not stopped there. Toyota Camry was also
named by Mobilmotor automotive magazine as the Indonesian Car of
the Year 2002.

There were eight categories in the competition, including MPV
Cab Over, MPV Bonnet type, City Car, SUV 4x2, 1,500cc sedan,
2,000cc sedan, over 2,000cc sedan and luxurious car.

Based on the examination and evaluation conducted by an
independent team of the contest, held by the magazine, Camry
grabbed the highest score out of the overall categories.

Marketing Communication Manager of PT Toyota Astra Motor
Hendrayadi Lastiyoso said the contest, the first of such in
Indonesia, had been a milestone in the country's automotive
industry.

"The competition, which will be held annually, is quite valid
with qualified board of jury. So this is a very good sign for us,
particularly Camry," he said.

To determine the winners, the jury of the contest evaluated
seven criteria including design; engineering; quality, fit and
finishing; safety; driving pleasure; performance; and value for
money. The examination also includes seven categories including
acceleration at 0-100 kilometers per hour; acceleration at 0-400
km/hour; slalom test; skid pad test; cabin noise level when idle
and 100km/hour speed; brake system 100-0 km/hour; and fuel
consumption.

Camry also won the sedan above 2000cc category in the contest,
which was dubbed "the Indonesian Car of the Year 2002." The
competition awarded other vehicles based on sales and readers'
choice. In addition to Camry, other Toyota's cars placed high in
the contest was Kijang which grabbed three awards including the
best MPV Bonnet type, the best-selling car and readers' favorite
car.

Camry appeared actually America's best selling car during
1997-2000 and 2002. Recently, it also won the Vehicle Ownership
Satisfaction Award in Canada for the eighth time this year.

"The result grabbed by Camry in the Indonesian contest is a
tribute to the quality, reliability and dependability that Toyota
builds into every vehicle we sell, and it's given to us by the
toughest and most important critics - our customers. It's an
extraordinary vote of confidence, and one we will continue to
work hard to deserve," said Hendrayadi.

He said the tough duty would now be to maintain the image of
Camry among the owners and others wanting to try and to prove the
car.

"We have to concentrate on customer service. After sales
service is very important to show that we really care to the
owner. In the meantime we will continue socialize and increase
the product image," he added, noting that Camry's selling rate
got higher from time to time.

According to Hendrayadi, Toyota sold 1,086 units of the Camry
in 2002, much higher than 579 units in the previous year.

He said Camry's market share (in the medium car category)
increased to 18.4 percent last year from 9.3 percent in 2001.
"This shows that more and more people are fond of Camry."

He said his company always monitored the feedbacks from the
owners, and no single, same complaint had ever been found. "Every
complaint is case by case," he stressed.

Design and performance

The Camry 3.0VL, which was also ranked as the top vehicle in the
country in 2000, has a new design compared to its original
version. Camry has new styling and a slight longer wheelbase than
its 1997-2001 predecessor does. It is also a bit taller and a
little heavier.

"Overall, the new Camry, firstly introduced in Indonesia in
June last year, appears trendier and more elegant. The car just
like a breakthrough for Toyota which is well-known as a
conventionally-designed car maker," said Hendrayadi.

There is nothing to say about an exterior. Those expert in
automotive will be easily able to distinguish Camry's evolution.
The 2002 Camry is much more fresh, trendy and futuristic.

However, the classic Toyota's touch remains; all is simple and
convenient, nothing superfluous. All indicators on the instrument
panel are well visible, simple and easy to read. Driver's place
is very comfortable. There is plenty of room. Tilt steering is
easy to adjust. The cruise control knob mounted on the steering
wheel and is very easy to use. The car appears with all-leather
seat.

The 2.4 and 3.0VL engines are among the best of Toyota's
engines. The Camry's engine has six cylinders, four camshafts and
every cylinder has four valves. This design gives a significant
power of 194 horsepower and very good fuel economy on highways.
This engine is very durable and troubles free.

The Camry has four-speed automatic transmission with converter
lock-up system. It shifts smoothly and rarely gives the drivers
any problems if the following the basic rules of driving. The
manual transmission very rarely fails and all the drivers need
having five-speed transmission is to check for leaks.

Meanwhile, all gauges on the instrument panel are easy to
read, so you don't need too much time to check the gauges,
consequently drivers can pay more attention to the road.

The power train and all electronic system are made pretty
reliable, so the chances of unexpected stalling in a highway are
very low. Toyota's brakes rarely give drivers or owners any
problem if original parts are used.

The engine is based on high-technology system, the Variable
Valve Timing-intelligent (VVT-I), combined with the Electronic
Throttle Control System-intelligent (ETCS-I). The safety
equipment is also sophisticated, including the GOA (Global
Outstanding Assessment) body design. The steering column made
collapsible to absorb collision energy. The car has front torso
side airbags as standard equipment and antiskid system.

The car has also the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to
maintain stability while turning or speeding in slippery roads.
It is combined with the Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic
Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

To facilitate drivers when park the car, there are the Back
Sonar and Corner Censor, which will detect anything in certain
dimension.

With the Toyota Camry, everything seems to fall into place
perfectly. It also seemed Camry has quite a reputation for
keeping its owners loyal. Because each model treats the owner to
a ride that's comfortable, quiet and smooth, even when the road
conditions aren't.

Other car makes may want to take a look at what the Toyota has
accomplished in its cars, particularly Camry, in terms of
reliability. Eventually, Camry is one of those rare things in
life that can actually lift the spirits just by thinking about
it. So just imagine what happens when driving it.

For further information please contact:
Toyota Hotline (021) 651 3333,
Website www.toyota.astra.co.id.
Or visit any Toyota dealer near you.