TOYOTA CORPORATION (Project)

Ø     Diversity at Toyota: Dealers

          Toyota corporation is committed to increasing the number of minority and women-owned dealerships. Our primary tool for enhancing dealer diversity is the Dealer Development Program. It enables qualified operators lacking financial resources to become successful Toyota and Lexus dealers, identify possible dealer candidates by partnering with organizations such as the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Our financial assistance plan provides investment capital and operational support.

While the total number of Toyota and Lexus dealerships has remained relatively stable, since 1998 we have increased the number of ethnic minority Toyota and Lexus dealers by 45%. Since 1997, we more than doubled the number of Toyota and Lexus African American dealers. Recognizing the need to understand the perspectives of our minority-owned dealers, diversity representatives sit on both of our National Dealer Councils.

Ø      Diversity at Toyota: Suppliers

The diversification of supplier networks is a major priority of Toyota. In manufacturing, spending with minority-owned businesses exceeded 7% of annual purchases from U.S. suppliers in 2003. This translates into approximately $650 million worth of business with Minority Business Enterprises. Toyota new target is to reach 7.5% by 2005. When this is combined with Tier 2 supplier minority purchasing requirement, Toyota's spending will be approximately $1 billion annually. Toyota manufacturing affiliates and first tier (direct) suppliers. Since its inception this event has resulted in nearly $95 million in contracts through last year.

In sales, marketing and distribution operations, opportunities for minority suppliers are provided through Toyota Corporate Supplier Development Program. In 2003 exceeded 5% procurement goal with minority and women-owned businesses with purchases in excess of $140 million. In addition, a 5% minority-purchasing goal was established with key Tier One suppliers.

Ø      Diversity at Toyota: Philanthropy

Since Toyota's primary philanthropic focus is education, some of the organizations that are support include the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the American Indian College Fund and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. One of our largest philanthropic partnerships, the Los Angeles Urban League Automotive Training Center, represents more than a $7 million investment. The Center recruits, trains and places Los Angeles inner-city residents in the auto repair industry. Toyota will spend $4 million to build an Automotive Training Center in the eastern U.S.

 

TRANSPORT

          ToyoFuji Shipping, Toyota's own shipping line, brings used vehicles to New Zealand by purpose-built vessels from Toyota's own wharf facility in Nagoya. They travel to New Zealand in clean, dry and comfortable conditions in the shortest possible time.
CERTIFICATION
Before any used Toyota can be certified as Signature Class, it will undergo an intensive assessment and inspection. Trained staff at Toyota's specialist certification plant in Thames thoroughly examine and perform 315 checks on each vehicle. Any minor defects that are detected are corrected or the vehicle does not pass the test.
Toyota's Thames factory developed a well-deserved reputation for premium quality work, establishing benchmarks and winning awards both in New Zealand and internationally.