2009 Press Releases

Toyota Camry Remains America’s Best-Selling Sedan

Despite a weak economy and the overall sluggish condition of the automotive industry, Toyota did see its Camry sedan retain its position as America’s number one selling sedan for the seventh consecutive year, and 11 of the last 12 years. For 2008, Camry sales totaled 436,617 units, a decrease of eight-percent compared to 2007 (473,108).

Toyota Introduces 2010 Camry at the 2009 North American International Auto Show

The 2010 Camry is on display for the first time today at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). As the best-selling passenger car in America for seven years running and 11 of the past 12 years, Camry continues to redefine standards for comfort and performance. The 2010 Camry and Camry Hybrid scheduled to go on sale in March, have an array of enhancements, inside and out, including exterior styling, performance, safety, audio and convenience features.

Toyota Maintains Pace, Broadens Scope Of Advanced Environmental Technologies

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. today announced that it will display the Toyota FT-EV concept on opening Media Day at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), confirming its plan to launch an urban commuter battery-electric vehicle (BEV) by 2012. This announcement, coupled with its compressed natural gas powered Camry Hybrid concept display at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, signal Toyota’s intention to broaden the scope of its advanced alternative-fuel vehicle development.

TMMK Awarded The Wildlife Habitat Council's Corporate Wildlife at Work Certification

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. has earned Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) Wildlife at Work certification for the successful implementation of a comprehensive wildlife habitat management program. This prestigious distinction is awarded as a result of demonstrated commitment toward long-term wildlife habitat enhancement efforts.

WRI Announces Project to Promote Conservation of Southern U.S. Forests

The World Resources Institute (WRI) and Toyota today launched Southern Forests for the Future, a WRI project designed to raise awareness of the threats facing southern U.S. forests and increase the amount of forest conserved or managed in a sustainable manner.

Toyota and Lexus Hybrids Top One Million Sales in the United States

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., announced today that total combined Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicle sales in the U.S. have topped the one million mark.The sales milestone was achieved with an industry-leading six Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles including the Toyota Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gas-electric hybrid and the all-time worldwide leader in hybrid sales.

Toyota Recognizes Top North American Suppliers for 2008

OTICS USA Inc., DENSO International America, Inc., and Johnson Controls, Inc., were recognized by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA) as Superior Award winners at its Annual Supplier Business Meeting (ABM) today. Superior Awards are awarded to suppliers who demonstrate exceptional performance. These awards were presented today at Toyota’s 13th ABM at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, bringing together approximately 500 of Toyota’s North American suppliers. In the U.S., there are approximately 63,000 supplier jobs in 38 states that are dedicated to Toyota. Toyota collectively spent nearly $30 billion on parts, goods and services last year in North America.

Toyota Develops World's 1st Rear-seat Center Airbag

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces it has developed a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) rear-seat center airbag—the first*1 in the world—to help reduce the severity of secondary injuries incurred by rear-seat passengers in a side-on collision. The new airbag is fitted in a large, fixed, rear-seat center console that comes in a version of a Toyota model to be launched in Japan in the near future. When the vehicle is hit side-on, the airbag deploys from the top of the console to act as a barrier that helps lessen injuries caused by passengers colliding with each other or into the console.

EPA Recognizes Toyota With 2009 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. (TEMA), with a 2009 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award in recognition of its continued leadership in protecting our environment through energy efficiency and management. TEMA’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2009.

Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League Begins Fourth Season

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) President Steve St. Angelo and nearly 100 participating children literally had a ball this past Saturday, April 18 as the Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League opened its fourth season.

TMMK Receives Spirit Award from Volunteers of America

Volunteers of America of Kentucky presented Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) the 2009 Volunteer Spirit Award today during a ceremony in Lexington. TMMK was recognized for its financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and encouragement of team members to participate in community organizations. This past year, 1,432 TMMK team members volunteered for various non-profit organizations across the state.

Toyota Reports May Sales

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today reported that May vehicle sales hit a new monthly high for the year and jumped 20.6 percent compared to April 2009. Sales of 152,583 vehicles trailed year ago levels and were down 38.4 percent from last May, on a daily selling rate basis.

TMMK Team Members Support the American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out – Walk to Fight Diabetes”

On a beautiful Saturday morning nearly 500 team members and their families participated in the American Diabetes Association’s “Step Out – Walk to Fight Diabetes.” Team members came with their families and friends, and even their dogs. They walked, they ran, and some pushed strollers and even a wheelchair; they came to show their support to find a cure for Diabetes.

Toyota USA Foundation Announces $3.3 Million in New Grants

The Toyota USA Foundation, a charitable endowment supporting K-12 math and science education, today announced $3.3 million in new grants. The latest round of grants is going to 12 organizations from across the country.

Toyota awards $1 million in scholarships to 100 high school seniors

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., (TMS) is rewarding 100 high school seniors with $1 million in college scholarships for their commitment to education and community service. The 12 national and 88 regional winners, who make up the 13th class of Toyota Community Scholars, were chosen from a pool of more than 8,000 students nationwide nominated by their schools. To be eligible, students must be proven leaders both in the classroom and in their communities.

Toyota and Lexus Earn Ten Segment Awards in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today earned 10 segment awards in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Georgetown, Ky., plant (Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and the all-new Venza) earned the Bronze Award in the North/South America region. This is the ninth overall plant award for TMMK from J.D. Power & Associates, the most by any plant in North America.

Toyota Announces Pricing on 2010 Avalon, Other Vehicles

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2010 Avalon full-size sedan, Yaris subcompact, FJ Cruiser off-road sport utility vehicle (SUV), Highlander mid-size SUV, RAV4 compact SUV, and the Tacoma pickup truck. The 2010 models will begin arriving at dealerships in August, with the exception of Highlander (September).

Toyota Reports July Sales

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., today reported that July vehicle sales hit a new monthly high for the year and jumped 27.7 percent compared to June 2009. Sales of 174,872 vehicles trailed year ago levels and were down 11.4 percent from last July, on a daily selling rate basis. The CARS program generated significant incremental sales for TMS this month.

Gateway Children’s Services Receives Corporate Grant

Gateway Children’s Services, a non-profit shelter and treatment program that helps Kentucky’s battered, abused and neglected children recently received a $4,500 corporate grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK).

TMMK Team Members Selected for Nationwide Ad Campaign

Several team members from Toyota’s Georgetown, Ky., plant were cast for a national advertising campaign this week. The campaign will run later this year and will include television as well as print placements across the U.S.

Toyota, Hino to Test Breathalyzer Ignition-interlock System

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) and Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino) announce that, as part of their efforts to eradicate drunk driving, they will jointly test a breath-alcohol ignition-interlock system* under development by TMC. The system, aimed to aid companies and organizations better manage their fleet-vehicle operations, will be installed on selected trucks and other vehicles of Japanese transport companies’ and tested from September 1 to November 30.

Toyota Reports August Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported August vehicle sales of 225,088 vehicles, up 10.5 percent over year-ago levels on a daily selling rate basis. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded an all-time, best-ever month with sales of 142,529 units, up 32.4 percent over the same period last year as the CARS program generated significant incremental sales for TMS and the industry.

4-H Expands Water Quality, Conservation Programming with Support from Toyota, Coca-Cola

With a shared interest in the protection of the environment, the Toyota USA Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation will fund the expansion of 4-H’s youth water quality and conservation programming, called 4 H2O.

Toyota and Community Team Up to Support National Public Lands Day Activities

Employees from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) along with community volunteers and members of local boy scouts and girl scouts gathered at Fort Boonesborough State Park in Richmond on Saturday, September 12, 2009 as part of the 16th annual National Public Lands Day activities.

Toyota Launches Ad Campaign Focusing on Kentucky, Indiana and Southern Ohio

Toyota’s manufacturing division, which now builds 12 different vehicles in North America, has recently launched a tri-state wide advertising campaign. The campaign focuses on the company’s efforts to support communities across Kentucky, Indiana and southern Ohio as well as the local economies.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc. Presents Donation to Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass announced today that Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Inc. has approved a generous grant to the RMHC of the Bluegrass in the amount of $2,500 to "adopt" one guest room at the Lexington Ronald McDonald House for a twelve month term. The "Adopt a Room" program helps underwrite operating costs such as utilities, linens, cleaning supplies and toiletries provided for families who will stay in the room during their child's medical crisis.

NBA legend and Entrepreneur Magic Johnson Featured at Toyota's 20th Opportunity Exchange

Earvin "Magic" Johnson, NBA legend and entrepreneur, was the featured keynote speaker at Toyota's Opportunity Exchange at the Duke Energy Center in Downtown Cincinnati today. Opportunity Exchange, one of the largest minority business events in the country, is designed to provide minority business enterprises (MBE's) with the opportunity to network and develop valuable contacts with Toyota's direct suppliers. To date, the event has resulted in over $150 million worth of new contracts for minority-owned businesses.

Toyota Reports November Sales

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today reported November sales of 133,700 vehicles, an increase of 11.5 percent over last November, on a daily selling rate basis. Toyota Division passenger cars recorded sales of 71,622 units, an increase of 14.5 percent over last November. Passenger car sales were led by Camry and Camry Hybrid, which posted combined November sales of 27,385 units, up 18 percent over the year-ago month.

Toyota Issues 2009 North America Environmental Report, Updating Progress on Environmental Goals

Toyota announced significant environmental accomplishments over the last year in its ninth annual North America Environmental Report released today. The report is an update on progress toward the goals and targets in the company's 2011 Environmental Action Plan. The 2009 North America Environmental Report details Toyota's efforts in six key areas: Energy and Climate Change, Recycling and Improved Resource Use, Substances of Concern, Air Quality, Environmental Management and Cooperation with Society.

Toyota Donates to Wesley's Place

Employees from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK) were given a tour of Wesley's Place following a $10,000 check presentation in Paris today. The donation has been used toward the construction of the multi-purpose facility which will provide office space for non-profit organizations fostering successful community outreach programs.