Bangalore, Aug 28 (IANS): Japanese auto joint venture Toyota Kirloskar Motor Wednesday rolled out a new Camry hybrid sedan from its Bidadi plant, about 40 km from here.

"The indigenous version of Camry sedan makes India the ninth country for us to manufacture hybrid vehicles. As a pioneer in hybrid technology, we have sold around five million vehicles the world over," Toyota chief executive Hiroshi Nakagawa said on the occasion.

The hybrid version has 2.5 litre belt-less petrol engine with an electric motor and electronically controlled continuous variable transmission (E-CVT).

"The new Camry runs on hybrid synergy drive, which intelligently senses when to switch between petrol engine and electric motor. It controls engine and motor output for optimum fuel efficiency.Its battery supplies electricity to motor, enhancing driving power," Nakagawa said in a statement.

Priced at Rs.29,75,000 (nearly Rs.3 million) in the NCR (national capital region), the hybrid vehicle gives 19.16 km per litre.

"The hybrid version has been styled as a sedan with high-end luxury features. The drive is heightened by a quiet ride. The dashboard silencer material, acoustic windshield glass and the E-CVT reduces engine noise and avoids sound from outside entering the car," Nakagawa pointed out.

Besides powering the sedan, the motor is used as a generator to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into electricity for charging the battery.

"It is our endeavour to offer best vehicles with advanced technology to India. As a pioneer in hybrid technology, we were keen to manufacture the Camry hybrid in India in line with our global philosophy to encourage use of eco-friendly vehicles world over," Nakagawa recalled.

As the world's largest automobile joint venture, the company's two plants have a combined capacity to manufacture 310,000 units per annum, with models such as Innova multi-utility vehicle, Fortuner, Corolla Altis, Etios and Camry.

The company imports the Prado, Land Cruiser and Prius as completely built units.