When hybrid cars first appeared in the late 90s, they had unique, futuristic styling: the Honda Insight (now discontinued) and Toyota Prius (now into its second generation) are the two pioneers in North America. Then in 2003, Honda introduced a Civic Hybrid sedan that looked almost identical to the regular Civic sedan. Honda's theory was that not all hybrid drivers wanted a vehicle that looked different to, or was less practical than a mainstream vehicle.

Since then, all new hybrids (with the exception of the Prius) have borrowed an existing bodystyle, notably the Honda Accord Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Saturn Vue Green Line, and Toyota Camry Hybrid - and coming soon, the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Chevy Malibu Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid.

It was a no-brainer for Toyota to convert the popular Camry to a Hybrid model. As the best-selling car in the United States, and one of the best-selling mid-size sedans in Canada, the Camry makes an ideal candidate for a hybrid powertrain, and will attract additional environmentally-conscious buyers.

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