2006 Press Releases

Camry Best-Selling Car in America for the Fourth Straight Year, Eight of Past Nine Years

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported total year-end sales of 2,260,296 vehicles, up 10.1 percent over 2004. With ten consecutive years of record-breaking sales, this marks the second time in TMS’ 48-year history it has reached sales of over two million vehicles. Camry became the best-selling car in America for the fourth year in a row and eighth time in the past nine years. The Toyota Division recorded best-ever year-end passenger car sales of 1,138,130 units, an increase of 18.3 percent, and December sales of 88,887, up 8.1 percent. Camry posted year-end sales of 431,703, an increase of 1.4 percent.

All-New 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid Debut at 2006 North American International Auto Show

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 2007 Camry sedan and the much-anticipated Camry Hybrid at a press conference here today at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. The Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America four years running and for eight of the past nine years, is completely new for 2007. Refusing to take continued success for granted, Toyota engineers and designers chose to expand the very definition of Camry. In doing so, they created a new benchmark for sedans. Engineers and designers rethought every aspect of the Camry, from its chassis to its body, interior, accessories and drivetrain. The result is a world-class sedan that not only redefines global standards for comfort, performance and design, but also is available, for the first time, with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Toyota's North American Vehicle Production Surpasses 1.5 Million Units in 2005

Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TMMNA) announced today that the company produced 1,558,828 vehicles and 1,295,227 engines at its North American manufacturing facilities in 2005. Both figures represent new record production levels for Toyota, which began North American production in 1985 and has been growing ever since.

Toyota To Compete in NASCAR Nextel Cup, NASCAR Busch Series

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Toyota announced Monday the manufacturer’s plans to expand its NASCAR program by competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the NASCAR Busch Series starting in 2007, fielding the Toyota Camry model. The expansion will follow three years of Toyota competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and will result in all three of NASCAR’s national series having four manufacturers competing, as Toyota will join Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford.

Toyota Reports January Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever January sales of 160,625 units, an increase of 14 percent over last year. The Toyota Division recorded best-ever January sales of 140,967, an increase of 14.9 percent. The Lexus Division posted January sales of 19,658 units, up 7.7 percent over last January. Toyota Division passenger cars led the way with best-ever January sales of 77,638, up 11.9 percent. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever January sales of 7,654, up 37.5 percent.

Toyota Reaches 15 Million Mark in North American Production

Toyota announced today it has reached the 15 million mark in North American production. This milestone marks 20 years of manufacturing in North America, supported by a $13 billion manufacturing investment in North American operations. Toyota operates 12 vehicle manufacturing, powertrain, and components facilities in North America. Toyota will continue to further its commitment to build vehicles locally with two more North American plants under construction-- in San Antonio, Texas and Woodstock, Ontario. Toyota now manufactures 10 vehicles in North America: Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Sequoia, Sienna, Solara, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus RX330. Production of the Camry Hybrid begins in the fall of 2006, in Kentucky, and the RAV4 in 2008, in Ontario.

Toyota Celebrates the Opening of North American Production Support Center

Toyota today celebrated the opening of its North American Production Support Center (NAPSC), a training facility located in Georgetown, Kentucky which will serve Toyota’s plants in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The center will act as an extension for Toyota’s Global Production Center (GPC) – an initiative begun in 2003 to share best practices globally in a standardized manner. Team members who will train at the NAPSC will simulate hands-on operations including: stamping, body weld, paint, plastics, assembly, quality control and internal logistics. Future programs will include axle and engine assembly, machining and casting functions.

Toyota Celebrates 20th Year in Kentucky

“It was pretty apparent that Toyota would be a good thing for Kentucky and the Bluegrass,” observes Gary Convis, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK). “But looking back over the past 20 years, it’s surprising in how many ways the Georgetown plant and its team members have really touched our citizens and communities.”

In the years since its incorporation in 1986, TMMK has seen its impact grow across the Commonwealth in significant ways, many of which are surprisingly below the radar.

TMMK Celebrates Launch of All-New, Sixth Generation Camry

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) celebrated the launch of the all-new, sixth generation Camry today with team members, local community leaders, and company executives from the manufacturing and sales divisions. The all-new, sixth generation Camry will be launched in eight different plants around the world over the next eleven months. In addition to Kentucky, the Camry will be built in Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Australia, China, Russia and Vietnam.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Names Its Top Volunteers of the Year

TMMK honored its top volunteers during the company’s annual Volunteers In Place (VIP) Recognition Dinner at the Lafayette Club in Lexington, Ky., this past Saturday. The VIP program was developed in 1994 to encourage and recognize team member volunteer work while supporting TMMK's operating principles and firm commitment to good corporate citizenship. Participation in the VIP program has consistently grown, with more than 1100 team members currently enrolled. These team members have recorded almost 36,000 man-hours in our community. That’s the equivalent of 896 work weeks spent volunteering.

Toyota Adds Camry Production in Indiana

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels announced today that the Toyota Camry will be built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), directly creating about 1,000 jobs. The news is part of a collaborative agreement announced today between SIA parent Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), a FHI stakeholder. About $230 million will be invested to install Camry manufacturing processes in an existing SIA line capable of producing about 100,000 vehicles annually. Camry production at SIA begins in Spring 2007. With this additional capacity and other expansions underway, Toyota will have North American annual production capacity of about 2 million cars and trucks by 2008.

Toyota Announces Prices for All-New 2007 Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the all-new and much-anticipated 2007 Camry Hybrid. The Toyota Camry, the best-selling car in America four years running and for eight of the past nine years, is completely new for 2007. The world-class sedan not only redefines global standards for comfort, performance and design, but also is available, for the first time, with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Toyota Launches Consolidated R&D and Manufacturing Operations

Toyota announced today that it has finalized the consolidation of its North American engineering and manufacturing operations. The new company, which was announced in December 2004, is called Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), and was officially launched today. “TEMA was formed for two key reasons,” said Mr. Sudo. “The company will streamline North American R&D and manufacturing, allowing for better communication between these functions and, ultimately, a faster and more efficient vehicle development process. Additionally, TEMA will strengthen the design and operational capabilities of our team members.”

Toyota Reports March Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever monthly sales of 217,286 units, up 6.9 percent over the same period last year. TMS passenger cars led the way in sales with best-ever March sales totaling 117,299 units, an increase of 0.6 percent over last March. TMS light trucks posted all-time best-ever monthly sales of 99,987 units, a 15.5 percent increase. Toyota Division’s passenger cars posted March sales of 103,501 units. Camry recorded best-ever March sales of 38,981 units, an increase of 1.9 percent. Making its U.S. debut in mid- March, the Yaris sub-compact posted strong sales of 1,339 units.

Toyota Named One of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity

Toyota today was named one of DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity, finishing 29th overall in the magazine’s sixth annual survey.

Toyota’s 2006 entry represented its first participation in the Top 50 Survey, described by DiversityInc as “the only valid, empirical and objective way to assess corporate-diversity success.” A total of 256 companies participated in the 200-question survey. Submissions were evaluated in areas including Human Capital, CEO Commitment, Corporate Communications and Supplier Diversity.

Toyota’s recognition in the Top 50 Survey comes just five years after launching its 21st Century Diversity Strategy, which set tangible diversity targets in areas including employment, procurement and dealer development. With the help of the industry’s only external diversity advisory board, a seven-member board chaired by former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Toyota has made strong progress, including more than doubling its annual spending with ethnic and diverse suppliers. In addition, people of color now represent 30 percent of Toyota’s employment.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Honors Ten Suppliers

Ten parts and service suppliers of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) were recognized during the TMMK Annual Purchasing Policy Meeting and Awards Ceremony in Lexington, Ky. The awards acknowledge those suppliers that met TMMK's highest standards in management, cost, quality, engineering, delivery and safety.

Six companies received TMMK’s highest honor as Outstanding Business Partners. They include: Advanced Industrial Products (Lexington, Ky.), Henderson Services, LLC (Louisville, Ky.), Milagro Packaging (Cynthiana, Ky.), OfficeMax (Lexington, Ky.), Precision Staffing, Inc. (Lexington, Ky.), and Stillwater Technologies Inc. (Troy, Ohio).

Four other suppliers recognized for their support of TMMK include AOSafety (Indianapolis, Ind.), Ark Inc. (Georgetown, Ky.), Butcher Electric (Georgetown, Ky.), and CHD Meridian (Nashville, Tenn.).

Toyota Reports April Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported an all-time best-ever sales month totaling 219,965 units in April, up 8.5 percent over the same period last year. The Toyota Division recorded an all-time best-ever sales month in April with 195,286 units, an increase of 10 percent, while the Lexus Division posted April sales of 24,679 units. Toyota Division’s passenger cars posted all-time best-ever sales in April of 114,670 units, an increase of 6.3 percent over last year. The completely redesigned 2007 Camry, which went on sale in late April, recorded best-ever April sales of 40,203 units, an increase of 3.3 percent. Arriving in showrooms the last week of April, the all-new Camry Hybrid had early sales of 86 units. Demand for the Prius gas-electric hybrid continues to outweigh supply, with sales totaling 8,234 units for the month. Making its U.S. debut in mid March, the Yaris subcompact posted robust sales of 6,393 units. The Corolla enjoyed all-time best-ever sales of 36,155 units in April, up 9.3 percent.

Toyota Reports Record Year-End Results

Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced today operating results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2006. On a consolidated basis, net revenues for the twelve months ended March 31, 2006, increased 13.4 percent year-on-year to 21.03 trillion yen. Operating income reached 1.87 trillion yen, an increase of 206 billion yen, or 12.3 percent, over the previous fiscal year. Net income increased 17.2 percent to 1.37 trillion yen, representing the third consecutive year in which net income exceeded one trillion yen. All of these figures marked record highs.

Toyota's 20th Anniversary Celebration Includes Gift of Two New Vehicles

Furthering its ongoing commitment to give back to Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) has announced its gift of a new vehicle to each of two not-for-profit entities: a new Sienna minivan being given to the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program (BDVP), and a new Camry Hybrid going to the Kentucky NEED (National Energy Educational Development) program.

Toyota Stadium — A Fitting New Name For Georgetown College Football Venue

As Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Kentucky, Inc. celebrates 20 successful years here, TMMK president Gary Convis and Georgetown College president Bill Crouch are excited to announce that the home football venue for the Georgetown Tigers and the Scott County High School Cardinals is now known as Toyota Stadium. In announcing the renaming, Convis said "Throughout our company’s 20-year history here in Kentucky, we’ve been privileged to partner with Georgetown College in numerous ways. We’re thrilled to be able to have this field bear our company’s name! Like our Toyota team members, Georgetown College is deeply rooted in continuous improvement and respect for people. Their students get a high quality education."

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2007 Camry Solara

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2007 Camry Solara Coupe and Convertible. For 2007 model year, the Camry Solara receives one of Toyota’s most extensive mid-year changes to date and raising the bar in the sporty coupe segment. The 2007 Solara offers several exterior and interior styling changes, additional standard safety equipment, and enhanced audio and convenience features. Solara’s exterior enhancements include newly designed halogen headlamps, grille, front bumper, and integrated fog lamps. From behind, Solara will feature restyled LED tail lamps, bumper and rear spoiler. The Sport grade adds unique HID headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear under bumper spoilers, side rocker molding, rear spoiler and tailpipe diffuser.

Toyota Reports May Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported overall best-ever monthly sales of 235,708 vehicles, an increase of 12.3 percent over May 2005. It marks the third consecutive month and seventh time Toyota has recorded at least 200,000 sales in a single month. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,000,524 units, up 8.8 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Division passenger cars posted all-time best-ever monthly sales of 144,875 units, up 19.6 percent over the same period last year. Making its U.S. debut in mid March, the Yaris subcompact posted robust sales of 8,065 units. The Corolla enjoyed all-time best-ever sales of 41,550 units in May, up 28 percent. The completely redesigned 2007 Camry, which went on sale in March, recorded May sales of 43,112 units, an increase of 3.6 percent. Arriving in showrooms in late April, the all-new Camry Hybrid had early sales of 3,032 units. Demand for the Prius gas-electric hybrid continues to outweigh supply, with sales totaling 8,103 units for the month.

TMMK Wins Silver Plant Award

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today earned a record 11 segment awards in the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM. The study measures problems per 100 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. Toyota and Lexus vehicles garnered 11 segment awards, more than any other corporation and a record for the most segment awards in one study. For the ninth consecutive year, Lexus had the most problem-free vehicle overall in the study as the LS 430 luxury sedan tied for the top honor.

The Toyota nameplate finished fourth overall with 106 PP100. It also earned five segment awards overall, which was best among the non-luxury nameplates. Camry and Corolla, Toyota’s largest volume vehicles, both were top in their respective segments. Camry was the No. 1 Midsize Car and the Corolla was first among the Compact Car segment. Other segment leaders include the Highlander/Highlander Hybrid in the Midsize MAV segment, the Solara in the Midsize Sporty segment, and the Sequoia was the top Large MAV.

Toyota Announces Executive Assignments

Toyota announced today new assignments for senior level managers at its North American manufacturing operations. “Our executives recognize the important challenges ahead for Toyota in North America,” said Seiichi Sudo, president and COO of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA). “These assignments will help us further our mission to build the best quality vehicles for our customers.”

Toyota Reports June Sales With Strong Second-Quarter And First-Half Performance

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported its best-ever first-half sales in 49 years of business in the U.S. with calendar-year-todate (CYTD) sales of 1,223,542. June sales of 223,018, an increase of 14.4 percent over last June, contributed to a record-setting second quarter, with sales of 678,691 units. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever June sales of 117,769, up 21.7 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted best-ever June sales of 37,311 and an increase of 38.7 percent over last June. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 4,268 units in June. Camry, Camry Solara and Camry Hybrid enjoyed best-ever combined June sales of 41,427 units, up 9.8 percent. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 6,888 units for the month. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever June sales of 9,696, an increase of 0.8 percent.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.
Participates in the MS-150 Bike the Bluegrass

More than 400 participants from the Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society took part in the recent Toyota MS-150 Bike the Bluegrass event. The two-day event raised in excess of $321,000. TMMK's team was represented by 27 cyclists and six other volunteers who raised $7,089 (money still coming in) In addition, TMMK provided Sienna vans and Camrys for support vehicles. Cyclists traveled a total of 150 miles in a 48- hour period. The cyclists left from TMMK and biked 75 miles on Saturday, June 3 to Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, KY. Cyclists stayed overnight at Centre College and local hotels. On Sunday, June 4th the cyclists traveled 75 miles from Danville back to TMMK in Georgetown.

Toyota's North American Production Support Center Earns "Green Building" Honor

Toyota’s North American Production Support Center (NAPSC), a regional training facility, has been awarded a Silver Level Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building rating system. Expansion and refurbishment of the NAPSC’s 98,000 square foot facility followed the guidelines of the USGBC to ensure that the building met environmental standards for site development, material selection, water savings, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.

FJ Cruiser Trail Team Visits TMMK

Toyota Motor Sales' FJ Cruiser Trail Team recently visited TMMK affording team members and opportunity to drive the latest edition to the company's SUV lineup. A very rugged course was laid out on the back side of the Georgetown, Kentucky, plant near "trailer city." Participants were able to drive the vehicles, under the supervision of trail team members, up and down inclines, declines and rubble piles, some of which approached 40 degrees.

Toyota Reports July Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported its all-time best-ever monthly sales of 241,826 vehicles, an increase of 16.2 percent over July 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,465,368 units, up 10.8 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded all-time best-ever monthly sales of 130,109, up 24.9 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted July sales of 41,800 and an increase of 42.3 percent over last July. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 5,023 units in July. Total Camry enjoyed combined July sales of 41,892 units, up 1.3 percent.

Toyota's In the Interest of Women Conference to be Held in October

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), announced plans for its 10th annual In the Interest of Women: A Forum for the Women of Kentucky. The 2006 conference will be held in Louisville at the Galt House East on October 16 and in Lexington at the Lexington Center on October 17. The 2006 Toyota conference will feature keynote speaker and Kentucky native Wynonna Judd. She first gained fame in 1984 as part of one of the most successful duos of all time, The Judds, and has been critically lauded as one of the finest vocalists of our time.

Toyota and Lexus Earn Eight Awards in 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today placed first among all corporations and earned eight segment awards in the 2006 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS). The study tracks the number and type of problems owners have with their three-year-old vehicles. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 12th consecutive year with 136 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lexus and Toyota each received four awards, more than any other nameplate. Toyota improved in 2006 by 15 PP100 and Lexus improved three PP100. The Lexus LS 430 premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry for the 12th consecutive year with 88 PP100. Last year, with a score of 90 PP100, the LS 430 was the first model in VDS history to receive fewer than 100 PP100. The Lexus GX 470, in winning the Midsize Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment, had the fewest PP100 of any truck/SUV in the study. Other Lexus segment leaders include the GS 300/GS 430 for Midsize Premium Car and SC 430 in the Premium Sporty Segment.

TMMK Announces "An Evening with Melissa Gilbert"

Melissa Gilbert may be best known as Laura Ingalls on the television series Little House on the Prairie, but her accomplishments as an actress, director and individual extend far beyond that role. On October 14th at the Executive Inn Rivermont in Owensboro, Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) will present “An Evening with Melissa Gilbert” where she will share her secrets to success and talk about the challenges she faced as one of America’s most well-known child actors. In addition, “An Evening with Melissa Gilbert” will also feature Ronda Rich. Rich is a best selling author, southern humorist and the first woman to win an AP honor for sportswriters.

Toyota Reports Best-Ever August Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever August sales of 240,178 vehicles, an increase of 12.6 percent over August 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,705,546 units, up 11.0 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever August sales of 125,768, up 14.7 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Corolla, which posted best-ever August sales of 34,971 and an increase of 7.4 percent over last August. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 4,977 units in August. Total Camry enjoyed combined August sales of 42,227 units, up 1.9 percent.

Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League Celebrates Opening Day Ceremonies

The Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League (TBML) celebrated Opening Day Ceremonies at its recently completed field at Shillito Park in Lexington, Ky. The TBML is a non-profit corporation formed to give children with any special needs, physical or mental, an opportunity to play baseball in an organized league. The Miracle League field at Shillito Park is the only one of its kind in the entire state. TBML and the Rotary Club of Lexington are raising the funds to construct a fully accessible special playing surface and accessory facilities at Shillito Park behind the Fayette Mall. The title sponsors for the league are Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., BB&T and the Rotary Club of Lexington. The TBML has an agreement with the YMCA of Central Kentucky for management services for the operation of the field, facilities and league operations.

Toyota Georgetown Builds Five Millionth Camry

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) reached another milestone when the five-millionth Camry rolled off the assembly line during second shift production on Friday, September 15, 2006. The car, a 2007 Camry LE 4-cylinder, came off the line at approximately 8:30 p.m. Camry (the name means "little crown") was introduced in 1983. TMMK built its first Camry in May 1988. The Camry has been the number one selling sedan in America four years in a row and eight of the last nine.

Toyota Announces Pricing for 2007 Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Special Edition package for the 2007 FJ Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SUV) and 2007 Camry Hybrid.

Toyota Reports Best-Ever September Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever September sales of 222,950 vehicles, an increase of 20.2 percent over September 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 1,928,496 units, up 12 percent over the same period last year. The Toyota Division posted best-ever September sales of 197,250, up 21.3 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever September sales with 25,700 units sold, an increase of 12.1 percent. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever September sales of 113,136, up 12.4 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by the Camry, which posted September sales of 38,269. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 4,044 units in September.

U.S. EPA Recognizes Three Toyota Manufacturing Facilities
With Energy Star Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized three of Toyota’s U.S. vehicle assembly plants with an ENERGY STAR Plant Award for their commitment and leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency. The three plants include:

• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana, Inc. (TMMI)
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK)
• New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI)

These three plants satisfied the EPA’s Energy Performance Indicators (EPI) score, including lighting levels and environmental compliance criteria. This is the first time ever that the U.S. EPA has awarded the ENERGY STAR Plant Award.

TMMK Launches Production of Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) celebrated the production launch of the Camry Hybrid today – Toyota’s first hybrid vehicle produced in North America. The addition of hybrid production represents a $10 million investment at TMMK, which will build approximately 48,000 Camry Hybrid vehicles per year. The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System consists of gas and electric power sources that are complementary and produce a combined 187 horsepower. This system varies power between gas and electric, or both, as needed. The first-half of the system consists of a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine, assembled at TMMK’s Power Train plant. The Atkinson-cycle engine generates 147 hp and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission. The second half of the Hybrid Synergy Drive equation consists of a small, high torque electric motor that produces 40 horsepower, an ultra-small inverter with a specially designed compact battery and a transaxle to provide the economy and seamless performance hybrid drivers seek.

Toyota Team Members Volunteer at Camp Nelson National Cemetery

Team Members from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) took part in volunteer activities on Saturday, October 21, 2006 at Camp Nelson National Cemetery as part of the 13th Annual National Public Lands Day. The cemetery was dedicated in 1865 as the main Camp Nelson Cemetery and contains the remains of 1,600 Camp Nelson soldiers, including some 600 African-Americans. In 1868 this cemetery was designated a National Cemetery and over 2,200 Civil War dead from several Kentucky Civil War sites including Perryville, Richmond and Covington were reburied here. Camp Nelson is the only active National Cemetery in Kentucky.

Toyota Reports Best-Ever October Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever October sales of 189,011 vehicles, an increase of 13.6 percent over October 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 2,117,507 units, up 12.2 percent over the same period last year. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever October sales of 92,955, up 6.5 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever October sales of 33,812, an increase of 8.8 percent. The Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 2,806 units in October. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 6,398 units. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted October sales of 8,733.

Toyota Begins Tundra Production in San Antonio

Toyota today celebrated the opening of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), the company’s new $1.28 billion plant in San Antonio. Toyota officials, including Toyota Motor Corporation honorary chairman Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and president Katsuaki Watanabe, joined Texas Governor Rick Perry and other local officials to witness production of the first two all-new Tundra pickup trucks. Toyota’s San Antonio plant was announced in February 2003, and construction began later that year. When the plant reaches full operations next spring, it will have the capacity to produce 200,000 Tundra full-size pickup trucks and employ 2,000 team members.  The plant’s investment was originally estimated at $800 million, but grew to approximately $1.28 billion because of a capacity expansion for 50,000 more trucks; rising material costs, especially for steel; and additional infrastructure needed for the on-site suppliers.

Toyota Camry Named Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year

The all-new 2007 Toyota Camry has been named Motor Trend’s 2007 “Car of the Year.” Launched in spring 2006, the new Camry offers a major redesign for the 2007 model year and an available Camry Hybrid option equipped with Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive. Long-favored by passenger-car buyers, the Camry remains America’s best-selling passenger car eight of the last nine years. Currently in its sixth generation, the all-new Camry offers more interior space, an athletic design with a more upright style than its predecessor, and unique performance enhancements, especially in the Camry Hybrid. The hybrid version sets a new standard for fuel efficiency / performance balance with outstanding EPA-estimated 40 mpg city/38 mpg highway ratings and a net 187 horsepower for the combined hybrid system.

Toyota Announces New Minority Business Spending Target

Toyota today announced a new minority business spending target at its 17th annual Opportunity Exchange conference and trade fair. Toyota’s U.S. operations will target ten percent of the company’s overall U.S. purchases of parts, goods and services with minority businesses.

Opportunity Exchange is designed to provide minority business enterprises (MBEs) across the nation with the chance to network and develop relationships with more than 275 of Toyota's direct suppliers. Since the first Opportunity Exchange in 1990, the event has grown from 100 participants and $350,000 in resulting MBE contracts to more than 1,800 participants and more than $100 million in new contracts through last year.

Toyota Reports November Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., reported best-ever November sales of 196,695 vehicles, an increase of 15.9 percent over November 2005. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 2,314,202 units, up 12.5 percent over the same period last year.

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever November sales of 92,970, up 14.3 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted November sales of 34,189, up 15.1 percent from the year-ago month. Camry Hybrid, which went on sale in late April, reported sales of 3,100 units in November. Corolla reported best-ever November sales of 27,015, up 13.9 percent over the same period last year. The all-new Yaris subcompact, which went on sale in March, posted sales totaling 5,936 units for the month. The Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan posted best-ever November sales of 8,008, an increase of 1.5 percent.

TMMK Issues Its 19th Annual In-Lieu-Of-Tax Payment to Scott County Schools

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) presented a check for $1,213,532.00 to Scott County Schools, representing TMMK's nineteenth annual in-lieu-of-tax payment to the school system. TMMK financed portions of the original automobile manufacturing plant, the Powertrain facility, and the expanded manufacturing facility through Industrial Revenue Bonds. Since property financed through bonds is exempt from property taxation, the school system would usually not receive its share of property taxes on the financial property until the bonds mature in 2008.

In 1988, Toyota agreed to make an annual payment to the Scott County Board of Education to make up for the loss of tax payments. This year's check brings the total amount paid to the school system to $27,457,136.00.