Lift Truck Harnesses IC and Electric Technology of Best-Selling Hybrid Passenger Vehicle

CHICAGO (January 12, 2009) – Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) will debut its hybrid concept lift truck to North America at ProMat 2009 in Chicago, Ill. The concept lift truck, which utilizes much of the Toyota hybrid technology used in the Toyota Prius, was developed by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). It illustrates the company’s proven fuel and emission reducing technology and its application to the material-handling industry.

“Toyota’s proven hybrid technology is designed to meet customers’ needs for more efficient vehicles that reduce emissions and fuel consumption significantly while delivering the performance of internal combustion (IC) models,” said Brett Wood, president of TMHU. “Toyota’s hybrid concept lift truck further demonstrates the company’s global charter to develop innovative technologies and products that are environmentally responsible and economically viable.”

The Toyota hybrid concept lift truck combines the best of electric and internal combustion technology, taking advantage of the strengths of each power source. It draws upon the engineering of the Toyota Prius, with more than one million units distributed worldwide, and combines an IC engine, electric generator and battery in a design that allows the engine to operate with optimum fuel and emissions efficiency. The lift truck shifts automatically between battery and engine mode, simultaneously recharging the battery during operation.

In addition to the hybrid lift truck, Toyota is exploring a range of technologies using existing fuels and alternative energy sources to meet evolving industry needs today and well into the future.

The company’s innovative products will be on display at ProMat, Jan. 12-15, 2009, in Chicago, Ill., at booth 1203.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Celebrating more than 40 years of established operations in the United States, Irvine, Calif.-based Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., (TMHU) has been the No. 1 selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002 and currently offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. TMHU, as the sole United States distributor for Aichi, now offers a line-up of aerial work lifts, including scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts designed specifically to meet a wide range of indoor and outdoor needs.

Built on a reputation of excellence, Toyota remains popular due to its quality, durability and reliability. Quality is the hallmark of Toyota’s world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM). Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM in Columbus, Ind.

TIEM, and all Toyota manufacturing plants in the U.S. and Canada, comply with the ISO 14001 standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and have been honored for their environmental management systems and dedication to continuous improvement.

Toyota’s commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-eight authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 190 dealership locations throughout the United States, offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts and service, fleet servicing, and financing.