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Toyota U.S. R & D Triples in Size

9 June 1998

Toyota U.S. R & D Triples in Size

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 9 -- Toyota Technical Center, U.S.A.,
Inc. (TTC), today celebrated the opening of its expanded R & D facilities at
1555 Woodridge, in the Ann Arbor Technology Park.  The company added
approximately 75,000-square-feet to the west of the existing office building,
connecting it to the original facility with an open light court.  The
company's total campus in Ann Arbor, where TTC is headquartered, comprises
448,100 square feet of office, engineering and evaluation facilities.
    Since the original facility opened in June of 1991, TTC's employee base in
Michigan has nearly tripled.  The general design of the expansion accommodates
this trend by including open office areas for team associates and a dedicated
engineering facility.  "What this means is we are committed to localized
vehicle development," says Akihiro Wada, Toyota Motor Corporation Executive
Vice President, in charge of Toyota R & D operations around the world.  "It's
a key part of our strategy to provide top quality vehicles that are both
environmentally friendly and fun to drive."
    "When I joined TTC back in February of 1991, our total headcount in
Michigan was just 128," says TTC President Kunihiko "Mike" Masaki.  "Today it
is 350.  It is with great pleasure that I am here to commemorate the expansion
of this facility -- because this expansion underscores our commitment to total
vehicle development in North America."
    TTC also operates branch facilities in California, Arizona, and Washington
D.C.  The company's total headcount is 471.