Toyota Donates Vehicles to the L.A. Region Disaster Fleet

LOS ANGELES--July 20, 2011: The Red Cross L.A. Region will begin updating its aging fleet of disaster response vehicles, thanks to a generous donation of two vehicles--a Prius and a Tundra --presented to Red Cross representatives on July 14 at Toyota's Torrance-based headquarters.

“The versatility of Toyota's line of vehicles has allowed us to pick specific models that perfectly fit our wide range of needs”

Toyota has committed to donating two additional vehicles to the Red Cross. The four 2011 vehicles will replace older cars and trucks now utilized to provide assistance to displaced residents during large disasters like wildfires, as well as multi-family residential fires that occur every week.

"The versatility of Toyota's line of vehicles has allowed us to pick specific models that perfectly fit our wide range of needs," said Michael Kleiner, director, Emergency and Disaster Response, Red Cross L.A. Region.

Kleiner continued: "Whether we are towing equipment trailers; transporting teams of disaster workers to local incidents; or simply providing a means for a caseworker to go out and meet with a disaster-affected family, we have been able to select models that precisely fit each niche. We are very grateful to Toyota for its support of the Red Cross mission here in the Los Angeles Region."

"Toyota strongly believes in the services of the American Red Cross. Whether it be a disaster of national impact or a disastrous house fire affecting a single family, the Red Cross is always there to respond," said Michael Rouse, Toyota's vice president, philanthropy and corporate affairs. "We are proud to partner with the Red Cross and we hope the donation of these vehicles will help them better serve the LA Region."

Toyota is a long-time supporter of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region. In April, the company contributed $25,000 as a sponsor of the Region's Red Tie Gala. In 2007, Toyota donated more than $2 million to assist victims of the Southern California wildfires.

About Toyota

Toyota established operations in the United States in 1957 and currently operates 10 manufacturing plants, including one under construction. Toyota directly employs nearly 30,000 in the U.S. and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design.

Toyota is committed to being a good corporate citizen in the communities where it does business and believes in supporting programs with long-term sustainable results. Toyota supports numerous organizations across the country, focusing on education, the environment and safety. Since 1991, Toyota has contributed more than $500 million to philanthropic programs in the U.S.

About The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region

A volunteer-led humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Serving more than 85 cities, the Red Cross provides relief for victims of house and apartment fires, earthquakes, floods, hazardous material spills, transportation accidents, explosions and other natural or man-made disasters --- 24 hours a day. Last year, nearly 160,000 people were trained in vital life-saving skills, including CPR and first aid.