De la Garza named vice president at Toyota's Texas plant

September 16, 2005 -- San Antonio, TX -- Longtime San Antonio business and civic leader Luis de la Garza has joined Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas, Inc. (TMMTX) as vice president-administration, the company announced today.

De la Garza, former vice president-corporate relations for Valero Energy Corporation and president and chief executive officer of Texen Power Company, LLC, will oversee human resources, safety and security, corporate services and external affairs at TMMTX.

"This a critical role, especially as we soon enter the phase where we will hire and train most of our team members," said TMMTX president Hidehiko "T.J." Tajima. "Luis' extensive experience in building and leading local companies and his civic commitment make him a great addition to our team."

De la Garza has served on the boards or executive committees of several San Antonio area business groups and charities, including the The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Bexar County and San Antonio, Boy Scouts of America Alamo Area Council, the Texas Business and Education Coalition, the San Antonio Public Library Foundation, and the Texas Equal Access to Justice Commission as a commissioner.

TMMTX is hiring 2,000 team members to build the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck beginning in late 2006. The plant will represent an investment of $850 million and will have the capacity to produce 200,000 vehicles annually.