Toyota Increasing U.S. Transmission Production

Approximately $55M in total investment and more than 100 new jobs in U.S.

ERLANGER, Ky. (March 1, 2012) — Toyota announced today it will increase annual production capacity of 6-speed automatic transmission from approximately 400,000 to 520,000 at its plant in Buffalo, W.Va. The increase begins November 2012 and will be completed by July 2013. Approximately $45 million in investment will create about 80 new jobs in West Virginia.

Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia, Inc. (TMMWV) currently builds 6-speed transmissions for the Avalon, Camry, Lexus RX350, Sienna and Venza, all built in North America.

The expansion raises total employment to approximately 1,200 and total plant investment to $1.3 billion.

Bodine Aluminum will also add capacity to support TMMWV.

Bodine Aluminum will provide transmission cases and housing parts to the West Virginia plant. The expansion represents approximately 25 new jobs and more than $10 million investment for the Troy, Mo. plant.

Comments from elected officials

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin: “I am so pleased that for the second time in approximately a year, Toyota will expand the Buffalo plant due to the success of their diligent, hard-working, and devoted employees. Toyota’s commitment to excellence coupled with the strong West Virginia work ethic is a match made for positive economic growth benefitting both the company and the community. I am truly grateful for all the individuals—from the assembly line employees, to management and to Senator Rockefeller—who have made this partnership happen and for showcasing what is achievable in our great state.”

Senator Jay Rockefeller: “This is great news for Toyota’s workers and the company’s plant in Buffalo. Toyota has been such an asset to West Virginia and our people, bringing good jobs to our state and currently employing more than 1,100 workers. I’m proud to have played a role in bringing Toyota to West Virginia more than 15 years ago. Toyota’s continued expansion in Buffalo is a testament to the exceptionally strong and devoted workforce that we have. Our workers are the reason that companies like Toyota choose to come to West Virginia.”

Senator Joe Manchin: “Toyota is one of West Virginia’s best partners, and I am thrilled that the company is planning another investment and expansion that will create 80 new jobs at our very own Buffalo plant. This announcement speaks to the strength of the Toyota brand, and is a testament to West Virginia’s tremendous workforce. Over the past 15 years, Toyota has learned that West Virginia is home to some of the hardest working men and women in America – you have put your faith in us, and in turn, we have embraced you, too.

“I could not be more proud. I would like to thank President of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America Mr. Terashi, Toyota’s West Virginia President Mr. Suzuki, and the Buffalo General Manager of Operations Mike Lutz for all you have done to strengthen and grow the partnership between Toyota and our great state. Your continued investment and confidence in West Virginia means more to us than I can say.”

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito: "I am thrilled to learn that Toyota will create 80 good-paying jobs in West Virginia. Toyota has been an important partner to the West Virginia community for over a decade, providing over 1,000 jobs and support to local families. Our economy is still struggling to recover, and the fact that Toyota continues to expand in the Mountain State is a testament to the strength of the West Virginia work force.”

Environmental

Toyota Confirms Prius Plug-In’s Eligibility for an Additional State of California Consumer Incentive and Its EPA Mileage Rating

February 27, 2012

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) established operations in North America in 1957 and currently operates 14 manufacturing plants. There are more than 1,800 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold nearly 2 million vehicles in 2011. Toyota directly employs more than 35,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $23 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota’s annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals nearly $25 billion. Toyota currently produces 12 vehicles in North America, including the Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix, RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Tacoma, Tundra, Venza and the Lexus RX 350.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com or www.toyotanewsroom.com.

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Carri Chandler, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America: (859) 746-6633
Kathryn Ragsdale, Bodine Aluminum: (636) 462-1071