U.S. TOYOTA TECHNICAL CENTER COMPLETES
PROVING GROUND IN ARIZONA

Toyota City―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced today that Toyota Technical Center, its U.S. research and development operation (head office, Ann Arbor, Michigan), has completed a proving ground in Maricopa, Arizona. The new facility, which includes a 10-mile (16km) test circuit as well as cornering and dirt roads, is the largest of its kind in the world and occupies a land area of 12,000 acres (48 million m²).

The principal objective of the course is to test the durability of auto parts and materials manufactured in North America in vehicles at high speeds and in extreme climates, further facilitating the evaluation and procurement of U.S. components. Toyota vehicles destined for markets other than North America will also be tested at the new proving ground.

These objectives are especially relevant now, given the growing localization of Toyota's manufacturing and parts procurement activities in the United States. With the new Arizona facility, the company hopes to further research and development activities related to adapting its products to the needs of the U.S. market.

An opening ceremony, which included test runs of 30 Toyota cars, was held at the proving ground on April 22 at 9:00 a.m. local time (April 23, 1:00 a.m. JST). Over 260 people attended the event, including Governor Fife Symington of Arizona and Toyota Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda.