Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. begins Production of the Crown in China

Tokyo, Japan, Mar 22, 2005 - (JCN Newswire) - Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co., Ltd (TFTM) held a line-off ceremony for the Crown luxury sedan at TFTM's second plant, the construction of which was recently completed. TFTM is a joint venture company established by Toyota Motor Corporation and China FAW Group Corporation (FAW) for the production of passenger vehicles in the Tianjin Economic and Technological Development Zone in Tianjin, China.

The line-off ceremony was attended by approximately 1,000 people, including FAW President Zhu Yanfeng, TMC President Fujio Cho, TFTM President Shozo Takemoto and Deputy President Wang Gang, officials from Chinese local and central governments, Japanese administration officials, members of the media and various suppliers and dealers.

Representing TFTM, President Takemoto opened the ceremony by saying, "Because of FAW and Toyota's collaboration, Tianjin will become one of the biggest bases for the Chinese auto industry. In turn, this will help young, future employees to further grow and develop, demonstrating our deep regard in helping to develop people's lives. As one of the principal guests, FAW President Zhu continued, "Cooperation between FAW group and Toyota has advanced smoothly and on schedule, producing results through the efforts of both companies. FAW and Toyota would like to offer their customers in China a more pleasurable car experience and enjoyable life through the Crown." Toyota President Cho likewise addressed those present with the following words, "The establishment of the second plant, from the bare lot to the final construction of the plant, is a symbolic phase in the joint project between FAW and Toyota. As we begin the first non-Japanese production of Toyota's original car, the Crown, we are hoping to witness the onset of China's high-quality car market."

TFTM began production of the VIOS compact sedan in October 2002 and the Corolla in February 2004. In the belief that quality must be built-in during the manufacturing process, quality standards are stringently maintained in all processes of TFTM's production activities. At the same time, energy is devoted to fostering human resources, which is based on the principle: "People make our automobiles, but nothing gets accomplished until we train and educate our people."

The recently completed TFTM second plant, which specializes in luxury passenger car production, has been equipped with numerous cutting-edge facilities. It has been assumed by air conditioning system in all building and as an effective measure against sand, dust and salt-carrying wind, all of the building's entrances and exits are fitted with double doors. Also the welding process adopts the Global New Body Line (GBL) system so as to improve ergonomic characteristics and the paint shop is the first in China to use water-based paints. High quality is thus combined with environmental friendliness.