TORRANCE, Calif. - Toyota companies announced on September 1 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.

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.

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 and Toyota Technical Center. 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.

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.

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Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports, and research and development.

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