IRVINE, Calif., (Oct. 20, 2010) – Toyota Material Handling U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) will showcase its latest battery forward concept tow tractor at the International Airport Expo, held Oct. 26-29, 2010 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel in Las Vegas. Available for operation in the outdoor electric GSE (ground support equipment) demo area, the new concept tow tractor is part of the largest display to date of electric powered ground support equipment.
 
The design leverages the advantages of traditional diesel tow tractor designs that, until now, haven’t been applied to electric tow tractors. By integrating a battery forward design, the distance between the operator and the hitch/load is shortened resulting in enhanced cargo visibility with clear 360 degree sightlines.

"Toyota recognizes a clear need in the aviation industry for a high performance electric tow tractor that combines unparalleled driver comfort with unobstructed visibility to the rear tow hitch," said Martin Boyd, vice president of product planning and marketing at TMHU. "This Toyota prototype tow tractor showcases future design enhancements that increase operator efficiency while improving performance and overall environmental excellence."

The battery forward concept tow tractor features proven components from Toyota’s forklift and tow tractor line, including the same 80-volt AC electric drive train found in Toyota’s current electric tow tractor line. Harnessing the power of the AC electric drive train, the concept tow tractor is ideal for towing baggage carts and cargo dollies, while handling the rugged conditions associated with aviation work environments in an environmentally friendly manner.

The prototype was built in Japan by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), whose diverse product portfolio includes material handling equipment, electronics and logistics solutions.

The International Airport Expo attracts thousands of aviation professionals and focuses on ground handling equipment suppliers. Please visit www.internationalairportexpo.com for more information.

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. In addition to the full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand, the company’s extended industrial equipment solutions include: Aichi aerial work lifts—scissor lifts, crawler and wheeled boom lifts—Automated Guided Vehicles, and electric and diesel tow tractors.

Quality is the hallmark of the Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg., Inc. (TIEM). Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM, a zero-landfill facility, 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 188 dealership locations throughout the United States, offer comprehensive customer service and support, including one-stop shopping for both new and used lift trucks, rentals, parts and service, fleet servicing and financing.