2007 Press Releases

Camry Best-Selling Car in America for Fifth Consecutive Year, Ninth Time in Past Decade

With eleven consecutive years of record-breaking sales, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported total best-ever year-end sales of 2,542,524 vehicles, up 12.9 percent over 2005. Camry became the best-selling car in America for the fifth consecutive year and the ninth time in the past decade. Lexus retained its crown as the best-selling luxury brand in America for the seventh consecutive year, selling a total of 322,434 units in 2006, up 6.8 percent over 2005. With overall sales of 173,034, Scion was a significant contributor to the record sales year.

Toyota Reports Best-Ever January Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever January sales of 175,850 vehicles, an increase of 5.1 percent over January 2006. The Toyota Division posted best-ever January sales of 153,732, up 4.7 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever January sales of 22,118 units sold, an increase of 8 percent. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever January sales of 86,682, up 7.2 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted January sales of 31,461, up 10.1 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 2,801 units in January.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Hosts African-American Heritage Art Exhibit

To help commemorate Black History Month, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), will host an African-American Heritage Art Exhibit on Feb.19 through March 2, 2007. Artists Sonja Brooks, REEKO, and Barbara Tyson-Mosley will have their work displayed in TMMK’s Visitor Center. All three artists have exhibited together on several occasions. Together, their work represents a diverse, exuberant display of artistic styles, materials and techniques including acrylic and watercolor paintings, paper and mixed media collages, art quilts and fiber wall hangings, altered books, and metal sculptures.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Honors Its Top Volunteers

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) honored its top volunteers during the company’s annual Volunteers In Place (VIP) Recognition Dinner at the Dr. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort, 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.

“As a company, Toyota’s philosophy is to give back to the communities where we do business,” stated Pat D’Eramo, Vice President of Manufacturing at TMMK, who presented the President’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. “Our team members who are involved in our VIP program are at the heart of that philosophy and represent the best of TMMK and the best in our communities.”

Participation in the VIP program has consistently grown, with more than 1,100 team members currently enrolled. These team members have recorded more than 31,000 man-hours in our community. That’s the equivalent of 778 work weeks spent volunteering.

Toyota Announces Pricing For Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2007 Camry Hybrid 50th Anniversary Edition. The limited edition Camry Hybrid celebrates Toyota's 50 years of business in the United States. Only 3,000 units will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky. The 50th Anniversary Edition will start arriving at Toyota dealerships in March.

Toyota to Build Highlanders in Mississippi

Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour joined Toyota (NYSE: TM) officials today to announce that the company has chosen a 1,700-acre site in Blue Springs, Mississippi to build its eighth North American vehicle assembly plant. The new plant, to be located just outside of Tupelo, will have the capacity to build 150,000 vehicles annually of Toyota’s popular Highlander sport utility vehicle. Production is scheduled to begin by 2010. The new plant represents a $1.3 billion investment by Toyota and is expected to create approximately 2,000 new jobs for the region and indirectly create work for many more. Operations at the plant will include stamping, body weld, plastics, paint, and assembly.

Toyota Reports Best-Ever February Sales

Spurred by record hybrid sales, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever February sales of 187,330 vehicles, an increase of 12.2 percent over February 2006. The Toyota Division posted best-ever February sales of 164,812, up 13 percent. The Lexus Division reported best-ever February sales of 22,518 units, an increase of 6.6 percent. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever February sales of 106,429, up 21.1 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted February sales of 32,148, up 17.5 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 3,332 units in February. 

Toyota Gives $1 Million to Establish Tech Development Institute

Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Inc. (TEMA) has given $1 million to the University of Kentucky College of Engineering to support a new Institute of Research for Technology Development (IR4TD) in the college, pending acceptance and approval by the UK Board of Trustees. The new institute will explore and develop new technology aimed at increasing productivity, performance and profitability in a variety of manufacturing industries. The institute will be headed by Kozo Saito, a UK engineering professor with a longstanding relationship with Toyota who has performed research to improve painting efficiency in the manufacturing process.

Toyota Reports All-Time Best-Ever Monthly Sales

Boosted by record hybrid sales, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever monthly sales of 242,675 vehicles, an increase of 7.7 percent over March 2006. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted March sales of 42,254, up 4.5 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 5,144 units in March. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted all-time best-ever monthly sales for the second consecutive month with 19,156 units sold, an increase of 133.2 percent.

Toyota Breaks Ground in Mississippi

At a ceremony today with the local community, Toyota broke ground on the future site of Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), its eighth vehicle manufacturing plant in North America. Production at the $1.3 billion plant is scheduled to begin by 2010 with 2,000 team members that will produce the Toyota Highlander SUV; annual vehicle capacity will be 150,000 units. Once production begins at TMMMS, Toyota will have the capacity to produce approximately 2.2 million cars and trucks annually in North America.

TMMK Opens Environmental Education Center

To help commemorate the celebration of Earth Day, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) officially opened its Environmental Education Center (EEC) this afternoon during a ceremony on its property in Scott County. The center features a three-quarter mile walking trail that was developed for the purpose of creating environmental awareness and educating the public on environmental issues. The EEC and trail will provide interactive displays highlighting environmental activities ongoing at TMMK.

Camry Production Begins in Indiana

Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) and Toyota held a ceremony today to commemorate production of the plant’s first Toyota Camry.

A $230 million investment gives SIA the capacity to produce 100,000 Camrys per year. Camry production will add 1,000 associates for a total of more than 3,200 at SIA.

Central Kentucky Japanese School Holds Grand Opening

In answer to the influx of Japanese families with school-age children arriving in the Bluegrass to help start up TMMK and supplier plants, the Commonwealth of Kentucky established the Central Kentucky Japanese School in 1986.

The school is administered by the University of Kentucky in close cooperation with the CKJS Board, the Japanese Government, and the Japan Overseas Education Service. The school provides continuous Japanese education to Japanese-speaking students living in Central Kentucky.

Toyota Reports April Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported April sales of 210,457 vehicles, an increase of 3.7 percent over April 2006. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded April sales of 104,239, a decrease of 1.5 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted April sales of 37,911, up 2.2 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 4,410 units in April.

Team Members from TMMK Volunteer Time in the Community

Six different organizations in Kentucky will benefit from volunteer service when groups of team members from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., (TMMK) volunteer during their regular work day on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 and Wednesday, May 9, 2007.

Thousands Honored at Toyota Perfect Attendance Ceremony, Fourteen Win Cars

Fourteen team members from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) are proud owners of new Toyota vehicles following this weekend’s Annual Perfect Attendance Ceremony held at Rupp Arena. Those on hand for the celebration were also treated to a night of entertainment featuring the amazing sounds of legendary rocker Pat Benatar and Grammy award winner and famed Nashville musician Wynonna.

Face of the Future Visits Kentucky

Visitors at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) will soon get a glimpse at how robots will make life easier in the future. From everyday household activities to caring for the ill, robots will one day play a huge part in how we live and work. That’s why Toyota is taking the same technology used to build the #1 selling Camry and investing it into real life assistance projects such as the Partner Robot program. The end result is a human-like robot that is capable of performing labor intensive, yet intricate tasks.

Toyota Reports May Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever sales of 269,023 vehicles for the month, an increase of 9.7 percent over May 2006. The former all-time best-ever record was 242,675 units in March 2007.

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded all-time best-ever sales of 148,327, an increase of 12.7 percent over last May. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever May sales of 50,126, up 11.8 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 6,853 units in May.

Toyota Motor Corporation Surpasses 1 Million Global Hybrid Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced the one-millionth hybrid sale today by parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation. Of the one million hybrid sales worldwide, more than half have been sold in the United States -- 541,210 units from 2000 through April 2007. As consumers begin the summer driving season, the broad benefits of hybrid technology reveal discernible cost-savings with strong sales of Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Prius.

Toyota Announces Scholarship Winners

From a pool of hundreds of applicants, 50 students have been selected to receive scholarships awarded by the Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) Scholarship Program. Children of team members at all Toyota’s North American Manufacturing Companies are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Of the 50 awards to be granted this year, 14 are going to the sons and daughters of team members from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc., Toyota’s largest manufacturing facility in North America.

TMMK Volunteers Raise Money For Asthma

About 500 people turned out for the 2007 American Lung Association Asthma Walk in Lexington, Ky. The Toyota team made up about 40-percent of the total walkers (200). The Toyota team also raised about $10,000. This annual event helps raise awareness and financial support for the estimated 20 million Americans who currently have asthma. Remember to visit the American Lung Association web site for information on lung health resources, including programs and events in your area.

TMMK Team Members "Reach for the Stars" by Pursuing Higher Education

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) is proud to announce that 24 team members have been awarded post-secondary degrees while maintaining a full time job at TMMK’s Georgetown facility. Graduates were recognized Wednesday at a special ceremony. Many of the 24 team members received their degrees through an onsite education program called “Reach for the Stars” where visiting universities host classes between shifts so that team members have a convenient opportunity to pursue higher education.

Toyota Reports June, Second-Quarter and First-Half Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported all-time best-ever first-half year sales of 1,331,074. June sales of 245,739, an increase of 6.1 percent over last June, contributed to a record-setting second quarter, with sales of 725,219 units. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted best-ever June sales of 46,630, up 8.4 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 5,530 units in June.

Toyota Announces Prices For 2008 Camry And Camry Hybrid

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Camry and Camry Hybrid. America's best-selling car, and winner of Motor Trend's 2007 Car of the Year Award, continues to set global standards for comfort, performance and — with the Camry Hybrid — ultra-efficient fuel economy.

TMMK Hosts Governor's Scholars Students

Today Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) and Georgetown College hosted a day of activities for students participating in the Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program, a stimulating, five-week, residential program for outstanding Kentucky students.

Approximately 60 students arrived at TMMK’s Georgetown facility for a day of hands-on lessons. Students participated in a rigorous day of instruction and group-based problem solving related to an actual Toyota assembly line process. After touring the plant and getting assignment instructions, the students departed for breakout sessions at Georgetown College’s campus. Later this evening, participants will return to TMMK to present their work to a panel of representatives from TMMK’s executive management.

Toyota Announces 2008 Model Year Prices for Eight Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2008 Avalon full-size sedan, Prius gas-electric hybrid, Yaris subcompact, RAV4 compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), FJ Cruiser off-road SUV, 4Runner mid-size SUV, Tacoma pickup and Sienna. All eight models begin arriving in dealerships in late July and throughout the month of August.

Toyota Women’s Conference to Feature Oscar-Winning Actress Geena Davis

Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis will be the featured keynote speaker for the upcoming 11th annual In the Interest of Women: A forum for the Women of Kentucky, presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK).

The 2007 conference will be held in Louisville at the Galt House East on October 22nd and in Lexington at the Lexington Center on October 23rd.

Toyota Reports July Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported July sales of 224,058 vehicles, a decrease of 3.5 percent from July 2006.

Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted July sales of 41,514, up 3.2 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 4,329 units in July. The Prius hybrid gas-electric mid-size sedan posted best-ever July sales of 16,062, an increase of 50.5 percent over July 2006. Corolla reported July sales of 29,719 units.

TMMK Salutes Gary Convis

TMMK held a special get-together in the Visitor Center to celebrate the retirement of former TMMK president and chairman Gary Convis. The event caps off a week’s worth of special receptions and dinners honoring the 64-year-old Convis.

Power Train Quality Circle Pinpoints Source of Scrap

An example of a recent kaizen was submitted by Innergy, a Power Train Quality Circle. Circle members had discovered rods and pistons were falling to the ground as they moved down the engine assembly line conveyor. This made the pistons unusable and they were placed in the scrap pile. Because of the kaizen, corrective measures were introduced to alter the position of the rollers controlling the conveyor belt. Thanks to the conveyor improvements there have been no more scrapped pistons.

TMMK Honors Suppliers During Annual Award Ceremony

More than 350 suppliers across the country contribute to every car that rolls off Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.’s (TMMK) Georgetown assembly line. Whether it is a functioning part that directly impacts the car or is a microchip that controls the online machinery building the car-each supplier is an integral part of the success of Toyota. That’s why each year TMMK honors those suppliers at an Annual Purchasing Policy Meeting and Awards Ceremony.

During this special ceremony held yesterday in Lexington, a series of suppliers were acknowledged for meeting Toyota’s high standards of management, cost, quality, engineering, delivery and safety.

Thirteen suppliers in all were honored, with six of them receiving TMMK’s highest honor as Outstanding Business Partner.

Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League Celebrates Facility Expansion

The Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League (TBML) recently celebrated an expansion of its Shillito Park field facilities. On Saturday, September 15, players, parents and TBML officials dedicated new ADA compliant concessions and restrooms, along with a new pavilion/gathering area.

Toyota Voted Kentucky’s Best Corporate Citizen

Each year, Kentucky Monthly honors individuals and organizations statewide with the title of Kentucky’s Best and for the third time in four years, the readers of Kentucky Monthly have voted Toyota as Kentucky’s Best corporate citizen.

Corporate citizenship is an important aspect of TMMK’s company philosophy. Toyota, with its manufacturing plant in Georgetown and its North American headquarters in Erlanger, strives to benefit the communities where it operates and where its team members and customers live.

Toyota Reports September Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported September sales of 213,043 vehicles, a decrease of 0.6 percent from a best-ever September 2006. Calendar-year-to-date (CYTD) sales total 2,001,646 units, up 3.8 percent over the same period last year. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted bestever September sales of 40,438, up 9.9 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 4,196 units in September, up eight percent over September 2006.

Bob Johnson, Founder of Black Entertainment Television, To Headline Toyota's 18th Annual Opportunity Exchange

Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television and owner of the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats will be the keynote luncheon speaker at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America's (TEMA) Opportunity Exchange on Tuesday, November 13 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati. This annual minority business conference and trade fair, one of the largest in the country, has generated $100 million in new contracts since 1990.

Toyota Reports October Sales

Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever October sales of 197,592 vehicles, an increase of 0.5 percent over last October. Passenger car sales were led by Camry, which posted October sales of 33,728, a decrease of 4.1 percent from the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 3,511 units in October, up 20 percent from October 2006.

Toyota Celebrates Golden Anniversary In United States

Fifty years ago today, when tailfins defined the cutting edge of automotive styling and a handful of import auto companies struggled to sell 83,000 units, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. began marketing quality cars and trucks in the United States. TMS opened for business in America on October 31, 1957, in Southern California, and started selling cars the following summer.

Toyota Helps Build New Engineering Theater

Toyota recently announced a $2 million contribution to the Detroit Science Center for construction of the new Toyota Engineering Theater. In the spirit of Toyota's commitment to education programs nationwide, the contribution will help transform the center into America's premier engineering-focused museum. TMMK's President Steve St. Angelo made the announcement at the recent Youth Engineering and Science Expo in Detroit.

Toyota Updates Progress on Environmental Goals

Toyota today issued its first update on progress toward the goals and targets in the company’s new 2011 Environmental Action Plan (EAP). The 2007 North America Environmental Report details Toyota’s efforts in six key areas of impact: Environmental Management, Energy and Climate Change, Air Quality, Substances of Concern, Recycling and Improved Resource Use, and Cooperation with Society.

"Toyota’s approach to reducing CO2 is far broader than just a commitment to fuel economy standards," said Dian Ogilvie, senior vice president of Toyota Motor North America. "We take these targets very seriously. Our environmental reports show a consistent history of achieving - and in many cases exceeding - our targets. We believe that the combination of actions we are taking will all play a part in meeting the challenges we all face."

Toyota Reports November Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported best-ever November sales of 197,189 vehicles, an increase of 0.3 percent over last November. The Toyota Division posted best-ever November sales of 172,341, an increase of 1.4 percent over seven percent.

Toyota Division passenger cars recorded best-ever November sales of 98,749 units, up 6.2 percent over last November. Passenger-car sales were led by Camry, which posted bestever November sales of 35,409, an increase of 3.6 percent over the same period last year. Camry Hybrid reported sales of 5,118 units in November, up 65 percent over November 2006.

TMMK Announces Student–College Partnership

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) president Steve St. Angelo announced a company-sponsored program yesterday at the Postsecondary Education Summit in Louisville, Kentucky, that will benefit up to 300 college students.

The TMMK Student–College Partnership offers college students an opportunity to work at Toyota's Georgetown plant while taking college courses. Students get a $12 per hour wage plus tax-free tuition reimbursement. The maximum tuition reimbursement is $2,500 per year. Students can work part of a shift or a whole shift, one to possibly five days a week. The amount of tuition assistance is based on the number of credit hours and grade point average.

Toyota USA Foundation Awards $464,381 To National Aquarium In Baltimore

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has received a $464,381 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation, the largest education program award in the Aquarium's 26 years of providing educational programming on-site and in Maryland schools. The grant will allow the Aquarium to continue offering its AquaPartners program to more than 1,500 4th and 5th grade Baltimore City school students and their teachers

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has received a $464,381 grant from the Toyota USA Foundation, the largest education program award in the Aquarium's 26 years of providing educational programming on-site and in Maryland schools. The grant will allow the Aquarium to continue offering its AquaPartners program to more than 1,500 4th and 5th grade Baltimore City school students and their teachers

TMMK Issues Its 20th Annual In-Lieu-of-Tax Payment to Scott County Schools

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) presented a check for $1,179,911.00 to Scott County Schools, representing TMMK's twentieth 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

All-New Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan To Make World Debut At 2008 North American International Auto Show

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover sedan at a press conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility. Venza was designed and engineered in the United States and will be assembled at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

United Way Campaign Nets $1 Million in Contributions

For the tenth straight year, TMMK’s United Way campaign has achieved $1 million dollars in contributions that will go to funding vital services for those in need across Central Kentucky.