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Toyota Unveils All-New RAV4 Compact SUV and Highlander Mid-Size SUV at New York Auto Show

20 April 2000

Toyota Unveils All-New RAV4 Compact SUV and Highlander Mid-Size SUV at New York Auto Show

    NEW YORK, April 19 Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.,
today unveiled the all-new 2001 RAV4 compact SUV and Highlander mid-size SUV
at the New York Auto Show.  The RAV4 will continue to fill an important
entry-level niche in Toyota's growing SUV lineup.  The Highlander will cater
to the growing segment of buyers who want diversity in mid-size SUV offerings.

                               2001 Toyota RAV4
    The second-generation RAV4 has been redesigned, reengineered, refined and
improved in every imaginable category since its introduction four years ago.
    "The arrival of the RAV4 in 1996 marked the debut of a whole new concept,
and fueled an industry-wide rush to develop passenger-car-based sport utility
vehicles, said Don Esmond, Toyota Division group vice president and general
manager.  "For many buyers entering the segment for the first time, the move
into a traditional truck-based SUV is a big leap.  Often, it involves more
trade-offs than they are willing to make.  Which is why the industry has
whole-heartedly adopted the core concept of the RAV4.  And it is why Toyota
will launch its second-generation car-based SUV before most manufacturers are
able to launch their first."

    The 2001 RAV4 is longer, wider and taller, inside and out, and its
passenger compartment is more comfortable and convenient than the previous
generation.  The new seating design and configuration is more versatile and
the interior is roomier for both passengers and cargo.

    The RAV4 will be powered by an all-new 2.0-liter engine with variable
valve timing, which is lightweight, powerful, low-emission and more
fuel-efficient.  The all-aluminum engine weighs 50 pounds less than the
current engine, yet will produce 21 more horsepower, and 10 more pounds of
torque, while delivering exceptional fuel economy.

    RAV4's engine also will be certified as a low-emission vehicle (LEV) and
will be powerful enough to shave more than a full second off the current
generation's zero-to-60 acceleration performance.

    The RAV4 will be offered in two- and four-wheel drive models, with a
four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.  It will have enhanced
traction for light off-roading and inclement weather.

    "For all of its improvements, the 2001 RAV4 remains a vehicle aimed
squarely at the entry-level SUV buyer looking to satisfy both emotional and
practical priorities," said Esmond.  "The RAV4 is a purchase that is as much
about image as practicality."

    The all-new RAV4 will have an aggressive sales target of 75,000 units per
year when it goes on sale this October.

                          2001 Toyota Highlander SUV

    The addition of the new 2001 Highlander mid-size SUV to Toyota's growing
lineup of SUVs will make Toyota the first automotive division to market two
car-based SUVs.

    "The thinking behind Highlander is simple," said Esmond.  "Sometimes you
feel like a truck, sometimes you don't.  For buyers seeking the real-deal in
traditional mid-size performance, with a bias toward multi-use, we have
4Runner.  For buyers demanding the image and versatility of an SUV, but who
prioritize car-like ride and handling, we will have Highlander."

    Highlander will ride on a platform engineered to combine exceptional ride
comfort with substantial ground clearance, ride height, suspension travel and
off-road durability.  Its overall length, width and wheelbase dimensions will
be larger than 4Runner.  It will also have a slight edge in interior leg and
head room.

    Highlander will be available in both two- and full-time four-wheel drive,
powered by either a four-cylinder or 220-horsepower V6 engine, matched to a
four-speed automatic transmission.  Both engines will carry LEV certification.
The V6 4x4 configuration is expected to be the predominant seller.  Highlander
will be offered in a single, well-equipped grade level.  Options will include
an upscale Limited Package.

    Highlander will have a sales target of more than 50,000 in calendar year
2001, with an annual sales volume of approximately 72,000 units. 

    "The 2001 Highlander is an important new product and a key strategic
element in Toyota's plan to take a leadership role in the North American light
truck arena," said Esmond.  "It is the product we needed to round out one of
the broadest, most comprehensive lineup of sport utility vehicles offered by
any first-tier manufacturer in America."