Toyota Senior Vice President to Expand Automaker's Washington Presence

WASHINGTON, May 28 Toyota Motor North America (TMA) has appointed Douglas M. West senior vice president of government and industry affairs as of April 1, 2002, citing the need to represent its growing presence in the U.S.

In his new position, West is responsible for all of Toyota's federal government affairs, including legislative, regulatory, and compliance issues. He also serves as an officer of TMA.

West plans to boost Toyota's presence in the Nation's Capital by adding staff and increasing outreach to government and industry leaders.

"As Toyota's American presence grows, I look forward to working in Washington, DC to strengthen Toyota's leadership in sound policy formation," said West. "Toyota in North America now employs more than 30,000 associates and represents $13.1 billion in investments. We are eager to participate fully in building a stronger America through free and open trade, forward-looking environmental policy, responsible safety programs, and superior labor relations."

West joined Toyota in 1982 as associate general counsel for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., (TMS). Prior to joining Toyota, he was a senior attorney for product litigation at Ford Motor Company. While at TMS, he held numerous management positions including: vice president and general counsel - product law, group vice president - export and logistics operations, and senior vice president and chief administrative officer.

In making the announcement of West's appointment, Toshiaki "Tag" Taguchi, president and chief executive officer of TMA said, "Doug West brings his broad experience to Washington to build on Toyota's strong reputation as an automotive industry leader."

Toyota is America's fourth largest carmaker and manufactures more than one million cars per year in North America. Since 1991, Toyota has provided more than $176 million to support education, the environment, health and human services, community development, humanitarian aid and the arts in the United States. As a member of the American business community since 1957, Toyota has made a substantial investment in its North American operations.