Torrance, Calif., (September 1, 2005)—Toyota companies today announced a $5,000,000 contribution directed to disaster relief for victims of Hurricane Katrina, which struck a devastating blow to the US Gulf Coast on August 29.

"We're hopeful that aid may quickly reach those who fell victim to the torrential wind and rain," said Toyota Motor Sales USA President and COO Jim Press. "It's gratifying to be of some assistance during this difficult time."

Toyota companies have long supported the American Red Cross through associate-giving programs and disaster-related contributions.

$2 million of the $3 million directed to the American Red Cross was pledged by Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan, California-based Toyota Motor Sales USA and Toyota Financial Services; New York-based Toyota Motor North America; and Kentucky-based Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, which includes 11 manufacturing plants in North America, with three more under construction.

Texas-based Friedkin Companies, the owner of Gulf States Toyota, a privately owned Toyota distributorship, contributed another $2 million to establish the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund. This fund will aid Toyota and dealership employees and their families in the Gulf Sates region with both immediate and long-term needs resulting from Hurricane Katrina. Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A. (TMHU), Inc., the top-selling lift truck supplier in the United States, also set up a relief fund to aid its dealers and dealership employees affected by the Hurricane.

Southeast Toyota Distributors, a privately owned Toyota distributorship, its parent company JM Family Enterprises, and its associates pledged another $1,000,000 to the American Red Cross. TMHU also is supporting the relief efforts through the donation of lift trucks to the American Red Cross.

In addition to Toyota's contribution, Toyota Financial Services and Lexus Financial Services will assist finance and lease customers affected by Hurricane Katrina by offering a 90-day extension on payments, suspending credit bureau reporting on accounts impacted by the storm and temporarily suspending collection efforts on these accounts. Customers wishing to request assistance or discuss their accounts should call 1-800-874-8822.

Similarly, Lexus Pursuits Visa® Card customers will also receive an extension on payments and may call 1-866-877-4966 to seek a credit line increase or further assistance.

To stimulate further giving, employee contributions to the American Red Cross will be fully matched by Toyota Motor Sales USA, Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Motor North America, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America, Toyota Technical Center, Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing and TMHU. Additionally, employee contributions to the Salvation Army will be fully matched by Toyota Technical Center, while employee contributions to the Friedkin Disaster Relief Fund will be fully matched by Toyota Motor Sales and Toyota Financial Services. Additionally, dealer contributions to the TMHU relief fund will be matched by TMHU.

Toyota established operations in the US in 1957 and currently operates eight US manufacturing plants, with two more under construction. There are over 1400 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships located in 50 US states. Selling over 2 million vehicles in the US in 2004, Toyota has a direct US investment of over $13 billion and direct US employment of over 30,000. Together with its dealers and suppliers, Toyota is responsible for creating more than 200,000 US jobs.

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 dependability. 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 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.