Japan Bestows "First Class of the Order of the Sacred
Treasure" Upon Shoichiro Toyoda

Tokyo―TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION announced that today Japan bestowed the "First Class of the Order of the Sacred Treasure" upon Shoichiro Toyoda, chairman of Toyota and Keidanren (Japan Federation of Economic Organizations).

Upon accepting the national honor, Toyoda remarked that "over the years I have worked to create a better society through the automobile and the development of the car industry, and am now applying this experience in my position at Keidanren."

Toyoda added that "while receiving this award is a great personal honor, I want to make clear that my achievements are not only my own―they result from the work and cooperation among my peers and your support. I ask for your continued encouragement as we endeavor to improve and prepare our society for the next century."