Toyota Motor Sales, USA Honored by the Department of Defense for exceptional support of its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve

(Arlington, Virginia) - Mr. David Janes, National Chairman for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, today congratulated Toyota Motor Sales, USA as a 2005 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award recipient.

Toyota is one of only 15 employers selected in July 2005 from nearly 1,500 nominations from National Guardsmen and Reservists for this prestigious award from the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The 2005 recipients include Alticor, Incorporated, Citizens Financial Group, Eaton Corporation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, IDACORP, Los Angeles Police Department, Louisiana Department of Safety & Corrections, Pioneer Financial Services, Sears, Roebuck and Co., South Dakota State University, the State of Delaware, USAA, and Wachovia Corporation. The Award ceremonies will take place at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. on October 15, 2005, the 10th anniversary of this prestigious award program.

“Toyota is proud to be honored with a 2005 ESGR Freedom Award and we thank those who nominated and selected us,” said Jim Press, Toyota Motor Sales President and COO. “We greatly appreciate the sacrifice made by the men and women of our Armed Forces and understand the importance of supporting them to the fullest extent possible.”

Toyota employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve are provided pay differential, continuation of benefits, and the use or replacement of an employee special-lease vehicle for activated Guardsmen and Reservists, and their families, while deployed. In 2004, Toyota launched its Hire*A*Hero program (www.toyota.com/hero), an initiative to foster career opportunities for military personnel transitioning back to civilian life. In addition, Toyota received agreement from 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers from across America to provide support above and beyond the requirements of the ESGR Five Star Statement of Support program to their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Mr. Patrick Stluka, Retired Naval Reservist, and National Labor Relations Manager, nominated Toyota for the award. “Both fellow Toyota associates and management stay in regular contact with deployed Guardsmen and Reservists to keep them up–to-date on the latest news and happenings in their departments,” said Stluka. “In addition, co-workers are so proud of the activated reservists from their ranks that they have picked up the slack at work without complaint and have pitched in to help the families at home without being asked.”

“All Americans can be justly proud of our Nation’s employers for their exceptional support of our men and women in the National Guard and Reserves during these demanding times. Toyota Motor Sales, USA, through their personnel programs provide a fine example of an employer’s recognition of the sacrifice these young people make in defense of our freedoms and way of life. The Department of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is a tribute to Toyota for their leadership and support,” said David Janes.

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1,427 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motorsports, R&D and general aviation. The company's main Web site is www.toyota.com.

Then-Secretary of Defense William Perry instituted the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award publicly recognizes employers, who were nominated by their employees who voluntarily serve in the National Guard and Reserve, for exceptional support above the requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and, if needed, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or call the National Committee at 800-336-4590.