Canada:Loses In Skating Wins In Auto Manufacturing

ERLANGER, KY, Feb. 14 Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA) announced today that Real (Ray) Tanguay will become President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC), its Cambridge, Ontario manufacturing operation, effective March 1. Mr. Tanguay will be the first Canadian to serve in the top spot at the award winning vehicle assembly plant. Mr. Tanguay's appointment is consistent with Toyota's steady progress to becoming a global corporation. "Over the past decade and a half, Toyota has made tremendous strides as we have localized production and suppliers", said Teruyuki Minoura, President of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America (TMMNA). "Ray's promotion to President signals the continued evolution of our localization commitment, as we develop talented management in the countries where we make our products".

Mr. Tanguay began his career with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) in 1991. Over the years he has held responsibility for almost every department within the organization. "Through his knowledge of Toyota, the Toyota Production System and his broad experience in Cambridge, Ray has emerged as not just one of Toyota's strongest executives in North America, but indeed worldwide," commented Mr. Minoura.

Ray replaces Takanori Sakaue who is returning to Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan after three and a half years as head of the Canadian assembly operation. Mr. Sakaue's tenure was distinguished by a series of milestones. In 1999, TMMC produced its first Solara convertible. Later that year, it was announced the facility would be the first overseas plant to build the company's flagship Lexus brand. And just last month, TMMC started building the ninth generation Corolla and first generation Matrix.

"I am honoured to have been a part of Toyota's growth in North America in general and Canada in particular," said Mr. Sakaue. "The success Toyota has enjoyed in Canada is directly proportional to the quality of the people who work here."

"Our vision for TMMC is to be North America's most admired manufacturing operation," Tanguay stated. "I am humbled by the opportunity and excited by the challenges. We have a great core of Canadian team members who understand what it takes to build some of the best vehicles in North America. I am honored to be a part of such a great team."

With Lexus production just over a year and a half away, Mr. Tanguay takes over the top position in Cambridge as the organization is entering a critical period in its history. "The Lexus announcement was a big vote of confidence in our Cambridge plant," said Mr. Minoura. "Installing Ray as Cambridge's first Canadian President, is another example of the confidence we have in our Canadian manufacturing operations."

The Cambridge plant builds the Corolla and the Matrix. It also manufactures the Camry Solara in both hardtop and convertible versions. When Lexus production starts in 2003, it will have an annual capacity of 220,000 vehicles. TMMC has seven J.D. Power and Associates plant quality awards, most recently earning its fourth Gold Plant Award in 2001.

Mr. Tanguay will be available at the Toyota stand at the Toronto International Auto Show at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 14.