Oct. 27, 1998

TOYOTA RECEIVES U.S. EPA'S FIRST ANNUAL GLOBAL CLIMATE PROTECTION AWARD

WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 27―Toyota Motor Corporation has received the prestigious 1998 Global Climate Protection Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) in recognition of its leadership in protecting the Earth's climate. Toyota is the only automobile manufacturer out of 19 Award winners from around the world to be cited this year for its global environmental stewardship.

"EPA congratulates Toyota as the first company in the world to introduce a hybrid vehicle and for its commitment to market globally this climate friendly vehicle," said EPA director for atmosphere pollution prevention division Kathleen Hogan. "EPA welcomes this product innovation because it offers consumer choice in meeting all their performance objectives."

At a ceremony held today in Washington, D.C. during the 1998 Earth Technologies Forum, EPA presented the first annual Climate Protection Awards to recognize individuals, companies, associations, and government agencies that demonstrate their commitment to the environment through exceptional leadership, personal motivation, and technical innovation.

TOYOTA RECEIVES EPA AWARD

"We are honored to have been selected by the U.S. EPA and an international panel of judges to receive this Award," said Mike Masaki, president of Toyota Technical Center, USA. "Toyota's commitment to the environment is only beginning. As we enter the twenty-first century our corporate philosophy of 'Harmonious Growth' will continue to guide us. At Toyota, we believe this is a mandate from our customers and our planet Earth."