SKI EXPRESS EVENTS

Toyota To Feature 1996 RAV4 and 4Runner at Jimmie Huega's Toyota Ski Express Events Across The Country

SKI EXPRESS SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Venues with HAV4 and JRunner Test Drives indicated with * 

DATE                        LOCATION 

February 10, 1996           Mt. Bachelor, Oregon 
February 11, 1996           Ski Mt. Abram, Maine 
February 24, 1996          *Vail, Colorado 
February 24. 1996           Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona 
February 25, 19Y6           Montage Ski Area, Pennsylvania 
February 25, 1996           Ski Beech Resort, North Carolina 
February 25, 1996           Devil's Head, Wisconsin 
March 1, 1996               Butternut Ski Area, Massachusetts 
March 1, 1996              *Whitetail Resort, Pennsylvania 
March 2, 1996              *Crystal Mountain, Washington 
March 3, 1996               Solitude, Utah 
March 4, 1996               Pico, Vennont 
March 10, 199b             *Sugarloaf, Maine 
March 10, 1996              Buck Hill, Minnesota 
March 10, 1996             *Steamboat, Colorado 
March 11, 1996              Sunrise Park, Arizona 
March 1 6, 1996             Mt. Hood, Oregon 
March 17, 1996              Holiday Valley Resort, New York 
March 24, 1996              Big Sky, Montana 
March 24, 1996             *Squaw Valley, California
March 24, 1996              Whiteface, New York 
April 10-14, 1996          *Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado (FINALS) 

TORRANCE, Calif. -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. has signed on to be the title sponsor of Jimmie Heuga's Toyota Ski Express. Jimmie Huega's Toyota Ski Express is in its 11th year, and will travel to 30 ski resorts around the country to encourage local skiers to race downhill as they raise money for the uphill battle of multiple sclerosis (MS). This year's fundraising goal is to, exceed $1 million. As part of its involvement, Toyota will showcase its new-concept sport utility vehicle, the RAV4, and the completely re-designed 4Runner. At 10 of the 30 events (see attached schedule),test drives of those vehicles will be available.

Professional drivers will be on hand to guide participants through a challenging course set up at the ski resorts. For each test drive, Toyota will donate $5 to the Jimmie Huega Center (JHC). The funds raised from the test drives will be used for scholarships for local people with multiple sclerosis to attend a Jimmie Heuga Center clinic.

The Jimmie Huega Center, based in Avon, Colo., is a nonprofit scientific research center dedicated to optimizing the health and well-being of people challenged by multiple sclerosis through the JHC's intensive medical programs. "We're committed to, helping the Jimmie Heuga Center reach its goal of more than $1 million this year," said Irv Miller, corporate advertising and merchandising manager of TMS. "We think Jimmie Heuga's Toyota Ski Express is a terrific opportunity to showcase our new sport utility vehicles while benefitting people with multiple sclerosis."

At each host resort, co-ed teams of three skiers raise funds (at least $1,000) to compete in a four-hour marathon and dual giant slalom. The total vertical feet skied, performance in the slalom and funds generated for the event are entered into a formula and the event winner is determined.

The winning team will receive prizes and an expense-paid trip to compete in the Vail National Finals in Colorado, April 10-14. At the finals, teams are paired with either a former Olympian, U.S. Ski Team member or World Cup skier for five days of competition. Each member of the overall winning team will be awarded a free one-year lease of either a RAV4 or a 4Runner. The following vehicles will be featured at Jimmie Heuga's Toyota Ski Express events:

1996 RAV4 -- TOYOTA'S NEW CONCEPT SUV -- Following its success in Japan and Europe, RAV4 (Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD) enters the U.S. market this year. By combining passenger-car elements with the features cf a light, off-road vehicle, Toyota's RAV4 is a new-concept sport utility vehicle. The 1996 RAV4 features two- and four-door configurations, unibody construction, independent suspension on all four wheels and full-time four-wheel drive. Its wide stance, short front and rear overhang and high ground clearance allows for great stability, maneuverability and utility. Powering RAV4 is a stout 2.0-liter, four-cylinder 16-valve twin-cam engine that produces 120 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on two- and four-door configurations. A four-speed electronically controlled (ECT) automatic transmission is available on the four-door model.

RAV4 offers numerous safely features including standard driver- and passenger-side SRS airbags, three-point seatbelts in all outboard positions, adjustable front seatbelt anchors (four- door only), side-door impact beams, strategically located chassis impact-absorbing reinforcements, integrated center high mount stop light, and an energy absorbing urethane steering wheel. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are offered as optional equipment on the 1996 RAV4.

1996 4RUNNER -- Toyota's most popular compact sport utility vehicle (SUV), the 4Runner, is completely redesigned for 1996 with all-new engine options, new chassis, interior and exterior styling, enhanced safety equipment and added utility. The '96 4Runner is available in base, SR5 and Limited grades, 2WD and 4WD configurations and equipped with either a five-speed manual or four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is standard with a powerful 3.4-liter V6 available on all models except the 2WD five-speed. Both engines produce more horsepower and torque than those found in the previous generation, while offering improved fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions. The 4Runner's wheelbase has been extended and the front and rear suspension redesigned for improverd performance, increased stability and enhanced ride comfort. Steering feel and response have been improved by replacing the recirculating-ball type steering with rack and pinion steering.

In addition to all-new sheet metal, 4Runner offers several new exterior features, including a re-engineered real- door for improved ease of use, revised mirror surfaces for better visibility and enlarged headlights for greater illumination. Inside the cabin, there is more room. The placement of switches has been redesigned for easier use, and the location of air vents and speakers have been moved for more comfort and enjoyment. Toyota 4Runner offers a long list of standard safety features, including dual SRS airbags, center high-mount stop-light, adjustable seatbelt anchors and four-wheel ABS (optional on four- cylinder models). In addition, 4Runner has front and rear side-impact beams, child protector rear door locks, and three-point ALR/ELR seatbelts in all outboard positions (ELR seatbelts only on driver seat).