Cleaner, Leaner, and Greener: Toyota Offers a Bevy of Higher-Mileage, Lower-Emission Vehicles

July 28, 2004 -- Torrance, CA -- While 22,000 Americans are waiting in line to buy a new 2004 Prius, Toyota offers consumers many choices of vehicles that also achieve good fuel economy and cleaner emissions. To help spread the word, Toyota has debuted a national TV commercial touting its fleet's fuel efficiency. While many consider this a pocketbook issue - less money spent at the pump - fuel economy is also an environmental issue since it is linked to the depletion of natural resources.

Toyota has always strived to manufacture vehicles that achieve industry-leading fuel economy and low emissions while providing customers with the products they want at prices they can afford. Some of Toyota's fuel efficiency and low emissions highlights include:

Fuel Economy

* According to the EPA Trends Report, 2004 MY Toyota vehicles achieve the best average car fuel economy, the best average truck fuel economy and the best overall average fuel economy of any full-line manufacturer.

* For the 2004 model year, the EPA has ranked eight Toyota and Scion vehicles-more than any other automaker-in the top 20 most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles in the U.S. Toyota has nine models with ratings of at least 30 miles per gallon (combined city/highway mpg): MR2, Echo, Corolla, Matrix, Celica, Camry, Solara, Scion xA, and Scion xB.

* Toyota has always exceeded CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards, even while growing into a full-line manufacturer, and will continue to do so. All of our engines feature efficient overhead-cam, multi-valve systems; electronically-controlled fuel-injection systems; most are made from lightweight aluminum and about two-thirds employ variable-valve timing.

Low Emissions

* All Toyota/Lexus 2004 vehicles sold will be CARB (California Air Resources Board)-certified as Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) or better and 75% will be Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV).

* Twenty-three Toyota cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs-more than any other manufacturer-are in the "Best of 2004" list compiled by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).

* Two of Toyota's newest vehicles, the 2004 Toyota Sienna minivan and the Lexus RX 330 SUV are rated ULEV II, an emission standard that is 50% more stringent than fleet average standards for new cars in 2004.

Whether customers are avid environmentalists or they're looking to save some money at the gas pumps, Toyota has cars to meet their needs.