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Toyota Not Threatened By Republic's `Kangaroo Court'

20 August 1997

Toyota Not Threatened By Republic's `Kangaroo Court'

    TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 20 -- The following statement is in
reaction to the announcement that Republic Industries will hold a news
conference in New York City on August 21, 1997 to have 23 former state
attorneys general comment on the legality of the Toyota and Honda attempts to
limit Republic's rapid acquisition of their dealerships.  It is attributable
to Jim Olson, senior vice president of external affairs, Toyota Motor Sales,
U.S.A., Inc.
    "We will watch with interest Republic Industries' attempt to polish its
image and improve its stock price by having 23 paid legal consultants comment
on our attempts to protect our customers and dealers from this unproven
conglomerate's unabated attack on the Toyota dealer network.  However, we will
reserve our best defenses for a court of law, not a predetermined, paid-for
kangaroo court.  Republic appears to be afraid to have this matter heard
before an appropriate legal body where both sides have an opportunity to be
heard.  That's the American way."

SOURCE  Toyota Motor Sales