2010 Lexus GX460 World Premiere at Auto Guangzhou 2009

Toyota has high expectations from the Chinese market and, to be capable of taking full advantage of the local growth, the company is planning to display 45 concept and production vehicles at the Auto Guangzhou 2009. Among the cars to star on the floor of the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center from November 23 to 30, the main attraction seems to be the Lexus GX460, a midsize SUV scheduled to go on sale next year.

Judging by the rumors, the future Lexus will come equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that would develop somewhere around 300 horsepower. Still, official information on the car will be released later this year at the show.

Other models included in Toyota's display are the new Crown, projected to go on sale in China in December, the third-generation Prius and the Camry Hybrid. Concept highlights include compact commuter "FT-EV", hybrid sports car "FT-HS" and urban plug-in hybrid vehicle "Hi-CT".

Toyota sees China as a key market and expects the local auto sector to reach 12 million sold units this year. The Japanese manufacturer delivered a total of 284,000 vehicles from January to June.

“For a long time now we have positioned China as an important market and have been expanding our operations here with the tremendous support of everyone from the national and local governments,” said Takeshi Uchiyamada, TMC executive vice-president.

“TMC is looking forward to continuing to work with our business partner Guangzhou Automobile in strengthening GTMC’s foothold in the Chinese market and steadfastly increasing its operations, thereby enabling GTMC to provide even more products and services that will be welcomed by consumers in China.”