Gasgoo.com (Shanghai December 11) - The market for mid- to high-level automobiles in China has been ablaze in recent years. It is in this climate that Guangqi Toyota has released the Chinese version of the seventh generation Camry. The mid-size began rolling off the assembly lines at joint venture's Nansha, Guangzhou factory assembly late this week, the National Business Daily reported. It will come in two versions: the luxury flagship version starting at RMB199,800(USD31,635) and the sporty SE version starting at RMB179,800  (USD28,468).

The new Camry (pictured) is of strategic importance for Toyota's Chinese aspirations. The car is so vital that manufacturer CEO Akio Toyoda paid a personal visit to Guangqi Toyota's Guangzhou factory in October.

According to joint venture officials, Guangqi Toyota hopes for the new generation Camry to place top of its class with sales of 200,000 units. Pricing was an important consideration, they say, with several closed-door meetings held on the topic. The final price was decided because it was near RMB20,000(USD3,166) less than the rival Shanghai VW New Passat. Guangqi Toyota Vice President Feng Xingya was proud of the car's price point, saying that it would help it maintain its competitive advantage in the mid-size segment. The joint venture also offers full coverage for up to three years or 100,000 km for every new Camry.