Toyota Certified Used Vehicle Program Reports Record Sales For Second Consecutive Year

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 21 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced best-ever December sales of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles (TCUV). Since the program's inception in 1996, the TCUV program has sold over 700,000 certified used vehicles. The conclusion of 2001 also marked the second year in a row that the program has posted record sales.

Calendar-year-to-date certified sales increased 27.1 percent over the same period last year, with sales of 196,926 vehicles. December sales of TCUV totaled 17,446 units, up 45.4 percent over last December. All 12 Toyota sales regions and distributors also reported their best-ever December.

``Toyota Certified Used Vehicles will be displayed at many of the major auto shows this year, with dedicated product specialists on the floor to answer questions about the vehicles and the program,'' said Ron Broughman, TMS corporate manager of used vehicle operations. ``We also have provided dealers with special point of sale materials to heighten consumer awareness of our number-one sales position in America.''

The Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program continues to provide one of the best pre-owned warranties in the industry. The warranty, from date of first use, includes six-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain coverage, as well as an optional comprehensive 100,000-mile vehicle service agreement. And, 24-hour roadside assistance also is provided free of charge for one year.

All 1997-2002 models with less than 65,000 miles are eligible for the program. Prior to sale, each vehicle receives a rigorous 128-point inspection of all mechanical and safety functions, as well as overall appearance considerations. The Prius receives an additional 15-point inspection of its hybrid components.

``2001 was Toyota's best year ever and with our sales success we are increasing our sales efforts to keep Toyota as the industry leader for certified used vehicles,'' added Broughman.

The top ten Toyota Certified Used Vehicle dealers for 2001 were:

1. Longo Toyota, El Monte, Calif. 2. Roseville Toyota, Roseville, Calif. 3. Hamer Toyota, Inc., Mission Hills, Calif. 4. Laurel Toyota, Laurel, Md. 5. Millennium Toyota, Hempstead, N.Y. 6. John Elway Toyota, Englewood, Colo. 7. Toyota of North Hollywood, Hollywood, Calif. 8. Miller Toyota, Manassas, Va. 9. Toyota of Escondido, Inc., Escondido, Calif. 10. Carson Toyota, Carson, Calif.