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On the other hand: China Gives Thumbs-Up to Toyota

30 May 2000

Joint venture may give Toyota a piece of the potentially lucrative Chinese 
market

     Beijing - The Chinese government approved a plan on Monday between 
automaker Tianjin Automotive (China) and Toyota to produce about 30,000 
sub-compact Toyota branded cars for its domestic market.  The production 
plant will require a $100 million investment.

     The cars, built on the same platforms as Toyota's 'Vitz' and 'Platz' 
vehicles would be available for model year 2002.  Toyota is now the third 
Japanese carmaker to form a joint venture in China.  Honda and Suzuki have 
previously announced plans to build cars in China.


MJR