Toyota Releases 2009 Sustainability Report

EPSOM, UNITED KINGDOM – September 7, 2009: Toyota in Europe is achieving year-on-year reductions in CO2 emissions and continues to step up its use of green energy, according to data released in its 2009 Sustainability Report. The report details the company’s environmental, social and economic activities for fiscal year 2008 (April 2008 – March 2009).

Total CO2 emissions generated by Toyota’s production, logistics and sales operations in Greater Europe were cut by over 17% from 588,066 tonnes in FY 2007 to 485,230 tonnes in FY 2008. Several factors, such as the company’s increased reliance on clean and green energy, aided progress: no fewer than 14 Toyota facilities in 11 markets are now powered by 100% renewable energy. 100% of Toyota’s operations in the EU also achieved ISO 14001 certification – the international reference in environmental management.

For the same period, fleet-average CO2 emissions on new Toyota and Lexus vehicles sold in Europe (EU-15) shrunk by almost 4% from 150.7 g/km to 145.3 g/km. The reduction in tailpipe emissions is attributed in part to the introduction of advanced environmental technologies, such as Toyota Optimal Drive, Hybrid Synergy Drive and Lexus Hybrid Drive. In FY 2008, compact, low-emitting vehicles comprised almost one-third of Toyota brand sales in Europe.

Despite the challenging economic climate in FY 2008, Toyota contributed a total of £6.9 million in social contributions across some 300 community projects with a focus on technical education, environment, and road safety. Toyota in Europe also re-emphasised its commitment to providing stable employment to permanent workers.

New investment in Europe was accelerated by the start of production of locally-built models: the all-new Toyota Avensis at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in November 2008; and the new Verso at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Turkey in March 2009.

In an effort to limit environmental impacts, the 2009 Sustainability Report is no longer printed. The full report can be viewed and downloaded at www.toyotagb-press.co.uk and is in the Corporate Section under publications.