Toyota and Mexico's Ministry of Environment Announce Agreement for 'Green' Prius Demo Program in Mexico

- The Prius features Toyota's groundbreaking hybrid technology combining an efficient, powerful gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine and a clean, quiet electric motor - 10 Prius vehicles will be loaned to SEMARNAT (Mexico's Ministry of Environment) for a one year period to conduct extensive testing in Mexican driving conditions - The aim of the program is to evaluate the potential of hybrid technology as a resource to fight pollution and reduce energy consumption in metropolitan areas MEXICO CITY, July 23 -- Toyota Motor Sales de Mexico and SEMARNAT, Mexico's Ministry of Environment, announced today a joint program for the evaluation of hybrid technology and its potential benefits in fighting pollution in metropolitan areas. Toyota is a worldwide leader in the research and implementation of hybrid technology and was the first manufacturer to mass produce a hybrid car, the Prius.

Toyota will loan ten Priuses to SEMARNAT for one year. The Ministry will utilize the cars to facilitate its multiple activities within Mexico City. The performance of the vehicles will be evaluated by Toyota and Ministry participants on a monthly basis in order to learn how hybrid technology adapts to Mexican driving conditions and what can be done to optimize it.

The Prius features an efficient, powerful gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine and a clean, quiet electric motor to create an environmentally conscious, fuel-efficient, hybrid sedan. The Prius vehicles will be driven by officials and technicians of SEMARNAT and other governmental agencies whose job is related to fighting pollution and maximizing the usage of energy.

SEMARNAT, Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, is currently evaluating options to carry out its many nationwide tasks in a more environmentally-friendly manner, by adopting "green" vehicles. This program represents a first-of-its-kind joint venture between the Mexican government and a private company. Toyota will provide all required maintenance for the cars.

Toyota's hybrid technology has proven so successful, that today there are already 100,000 Prius vehicles on the streets worldwide. This car represents a world-class innovation for those who want a sensible car, which can provide mileage of up to 48 MPG (20.5 KM/L), and is not only reliable but also feature-packed and, most of all, environmentally friendly.

In California, the Prius is a certified SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) automobile, running more than 75% cleaner than the standard for Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles. In addition, the car's performance is flawless to the point that neither driver nor passenger can feel the difference between driving a Prius and a regular vehicle with similar horse power.

The Prius features Toyota's Hybrid System (THS), which combines a highly efficient VVT-I engine with an advanced electric motor that not only powers the car, but also recharges its batteries, thanks to an ingenious generator and regenerative braking system. This means the Prius never needs to be plugged in for recharging. The car's systems are monitored by an Advanced Control System (ACS) which coordinates each component to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. The Prius' transmission features electronically controlled continuously variable technology (ECVT).

Victor Lichtinger, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources said, "SEMARNAT advocates the participation of the private sector in every possible effort to raise environmental awareness. Collaboration between the public and private sectors is the most viable option to advance in this regard." Lichtinger added, "We celebrate Toyotas involvement through the Prius Program, and look forward to sharing its positive results with the community."

Jose Luis Sanchez Andion, General Manager of Toyota Motor Sales de Mexico commented, "A deep care for the environment is part of Toyota's global business philosophy, and that is why every product that we offer complies with the highest standards in terms of emissions and over-all quality. I am confident that the Prius will be a very useful vehicle for SEMARNAT as it is not only cleaner, but also far more economical to drive than regular vehicles."

In line with its commitment to create vehicles that are fun to drive and do less harm to our environment, Toyota is hard at work developing new sources of vehicle power as well as technologies to preserve fossil fuels.

Toyota Motor Sales de Mexico (TMEX) is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc. which is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota in the U.S. Toyota ADRs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: TM).

Toyota and its subsidiaries produced more than 5.8 million vehicles worldwide in calendar year 2001. Toyota vehicles are manufactured in 25 countries and are renowned for their quality, reliability and value. Toyota is the third largest vehicle manufacturer in the world and the fourth largest maker of vehicles in North America, producing more than one million cars and trucks in five North American plants in 2001.