Toyota Ranked as Global Lift Truck Leader by Top Material Handling Publication

IRVINE, Calif.--Nov. 1, 20038, 2003--Toyota has been recognized as the largest worldwide lift truck supplier by Modern Materials Handling, a leading trade publication, based on annual sales of over $3.1 billion for 2002. In its yearly ranking of the industry's top 20 lift truck suppliers, Toyota earned the respected magazine's top position, ahead of all competitors from North America, Asia and Europe. Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the company's U.S. group, also is the number one selling full-line lift truck supplier in the United States and contributes more than 25 percent of Toyota's worldwide unit sales.

This is the second major milestone for Toyota so far this year. In April, TMHU announced that the company now assembles 99 percent of its lift trucks in North America, primarily at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, in Columbus, Ind.

"TMHU is honored to be a driving force in Toyota's global efforts. This achievement reflects Toyota's global leadership in key areas such as safety and technological innovation," said Dr. Shankar Basu, president and CEO of TMHU. "But even more importantly, our worldwide success is a direct result of Toyota's intense focus on customer service. Our ability to listen to our customers and provide solutions that improve their operations and their business is what sets Toyota apart from the competition."

TMHU, with headquarters in Irvine, offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. Built on a reputation for excellence, Toyota is known for its quality, reliability and durability. Toyota's commitment to customer service extends nationwide. Seventy-five authorized Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. dealers with a total of 184 dealership locations throughout the United States offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com.