IRVINE, Calif., – February 18, 2005 – Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the number one selling lift truck supplier in the U.S., announced the availability of a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fuel system option for its 4,000 to 6,500 lb. capacity internal combustion (I.C.) cushion and 3,000 to 6,500 lb. capacity I.C. pneumatic lift truck models.

Toyota's new CNG Fuel System option carries the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listing and is certified to meet strict hydrocarbon, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide emission level regulations mandated by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Prior to the EPA and CARB emission regulations enacted in January 2004, CNG-powered lift trucks were typically converted from either LPG or gasoline to CNG by way of conversion kits. The new regulations' strict procedures for altering certified engines have essentially eliminated aftermarket CNG conversions in the United States.

"Recognizing the challenges this situation presented to customers with existing CNG lift truck fleets, Toyota reinforced its total solutions philosophy by becoming the first, and currently only, lift truck manufacturer to develop this factory installed, EPA & CARB certified option for the U.S. market," said Dr. Shankar Basu, president and CEO of TMHU.

"In addition to addressing the regulatory situation generated by the EPA and CARB enactments of 2004, CNG fuel has a number of benefits over other more popular and traditional lift truck fuels," said Mark Hartman, internal combustion product planning engineer for TMHU. "First, CNG fuel has been proven to provide the lowest emission levels over LPG (propane), gasoline and diesel. Secondly, LPG fuel impurities that commonly accumulate through the fuel distribution chain are virtually eliminated with CNG. CNG fueling stations tap directly into the utility natural gas lines, unlike other common lift truck fuels, which typically rely on several modes of transportation and storage before being used by the lift truck. CNG also is an abundant fuel source domestically produced, which directly reduces our dependency on foreign oil," Hartman added.

Although CNG fuel prices have been found to vary widely among states, its cost is typically lower than other lift truck fuels such as LPG, gasoline and diesel. In the past, infrastructure costs for CNG fueling stations have limited the total number of CNG lift trucks operating in the U.S. market. Toyota, however, has found many customers today have realized the benefits of CNG and justified the resources required to build the infrastructure to support CNG storage and dispensing.

The exclusive Toyota CNG fuel system option features a closed loop fuel system design that automatically adjusts and optimizes the air-fuel mixture ratio. This system works in conjunction with a three way catalytic converter, together minimizing tailpipe emissions. Also featured with the CNG fuel system option is a swing-out CNG tank bracket design. This CNG tank bracket features a one-touch latch design, providing the operator or technician quick and easy access to the engine compartment. The CNG tank features a seamless high strength steel liner encased in a corrosion resistant composite wrap. And finally, to help the operator know when the lift truck is low on CNG fuel, Toyota provides an analog CNG tank pressure gauge as standard equipment. An optional digital CNG tank pressure gauge ergonomically located on the dash panel also is available from Toyota.

TMHU is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. Built on a reputation for excellence, Toyota is known for its quality, reliability and durability. Third-party research shows Toyota lift trucks rank highest in value and quality among the top competitors. Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured in Columbus, Ind.

Toyota's commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Seventy-one authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers with a total of 186 dealership locations throughout the United States offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009.