February 15, 2002

First Canadian appointed President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

Erlanger, Kentucky - Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA) announced today that Real (Ray) Tanguay will become President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), its Cambridge, Ontario manufacturing operation, effective March 1. Mr. Tanguay will be the first Canadian to serve in the top spot at the award winning vehicle assembly plant.

"Over the past decade and a half, Toyota has made tremendous strides as we have localized production and suppliers", said Teruyuki Minoura, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA). "Ray's promotion to President signals the continued evolution of our localization commitment, as we develop talented management in the countries where we make our products".

Mr. Tanguay began his career with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in 1991. Over the years he has held responsibility for almost every department within the organization. "Through his knowledge of Toyota, the Toyota Production System and his broad experience in Cambridge, Ray has emerged as not just one of Toyota's strongest executives in North America, but indeed worldwide," commented Mr. Minoura.

Ray replaces Takanori Sakaue who is returning to Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan after three and a half years as head of the Canadian assembly operation. Mr. Sakaue's tenure was distinguished by a series of milestones.

In 1999, TMMC produced its first Solara convertible. Later that year, it was announced the facility would be the first overseas plant to build the company's flagship Lexus brand. And just last month, TMMC started building the ninth generation Corolla and first generation Matrix.

When Lexus RX300 production starts in 2003, it will have an annual capacity of 220,000 vehicles. TMMC has seven J.D. Power and Associates plant quality awards, most recently earning its fourth Gold Plant Award in 2001.

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