University of Toyota School of Retail Professional Development Achieves ISO 9001 Certification

Distinction Recognizes World-Class Quality Management System

TORRANCE, Calif., April 17 -- The University of Toyota School of Retail Professional Development today announced its achievement of ISO 9001:2000 certification. The distinction places it among a very select number of corporate universities worldwide that have attained this recognition.

University of Toyota Group Vice President Bryan Bergsteinsson congratulated the school's employees, business partners, and suppliers for their contributions to the effort. "This achievement recognizes that the School of Retail Professional Development is truly world class, with standards of excellence that set an example for all of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.," said Bergsteinsson. "We're proud of the teamwork and vision that made ISO certification a reality."

Bob Zeinstra, associate dean of the school, commented on the process of achieving the recommendation. "Our quest for ISO certification took us through a nine-month examination of the way we do what we do. We questioned everything, and along the way created the optimum processes for designing, developing and delivering world-class education for our dealership clients."

The University of Toyota School of Retail Professional Development provides education for Toyota and Lexus dealers nationwide. Educational offerings include classes, performance groups, in-dealership consulting and comprehensive performance-improvement solutions on topics covering all aspects of dealer operations, including sales, service, parts, finance, management, and human resources.

Assisting The School of Retail Professional Development in its efforts to achieve ISO certification was the International Alpha Group of Indialantic, Fla.

Established in 1957, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc. is the sales, marketing, distribution and customer services arm of Toyota in the United States. Based in Torrance, CA., TMS employs approximately 6,000 employees nationwide. Last year, it sold more than 1.7 million vehicles through approximately 1,400 Toyota and Lexus dealers in the 49 continental states.