Toyota Plant in Mississippi, U.S. Holds Line-off Ceremony

Blue Springs, United States, November 17, 2011―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc. (TMMMS), TMC's vehicle manufacturing plant in Mississippi, United States, held a line-off ceremony today with Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, TMC President Akio Toyoda, and TMMMS President Masafumi Hamaguchi in attendance.

Although TMC decided to establish TMMMS in February 2007, plant construction was halted in 2008 as a result of the financial crisis. The project was recommenced in June 2010, with line off celebrated more than four years after plant construction was first announced.

With an annual production capacity of 150,000 vehicles, TMMMS will produce the "Corolla" and plans to hire a total of approximately 2,000 employees in 2012.

At the ceremony, President Akio Toyoda said: "Since we announced the establishment of the Mississippi plant nearly five years ago, there have been years of twists and turns, but we are so grateful to you for being so patient trusting in us." Toyoda went on to express his sincere gratitude to Governor Barbour, his administration team and the State of Mississippi for their support, and emphasized that TMMMS would aim to manufacture ever-better cars and would contribute to the local community and economy.

Governor Barbour said: "This is a noteworthy day for the State of Mississippi. We are proud to become a member of the Toyota family."

Commencement of operations at TMMMS returns to the United States part of North-America-market-allocated Corolla production carried out in Japan since April last year.

North America constitutes an important market for the sustainable growth of TMC and Toyota is continuing to promote still greater localization and autonomy of its operations, which range from development and production to sales and service.