Toyota North American Operations will be More Self-Reliant

Washington DC May 12, 2006; The AIADA newsletter reported that Toyota's North American unit will operate with more autonomy from its Japanese parent as it strives to further its image as an American car company, reports Reuters.

"The North American operations will have more authority and self-reliance over time," said Jim Press, the division's new President. Press added that he plans to improve coordination between Toyota's three North American affiliates: the sales and service, manufacturing and engineering, and research and design units. "I'm hoping that at the holding company level, we can identify opportunities where all the affiliates can work together, sharing resources," he said.

This October, Toyota plans to open its new Tundra plant in San Antonio, Texas, and is also expanding its technological center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.