TOYOTA STAGES WORLD DEBUT OF ALL-NEW VENZA AT
2008 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

DETROIT, January 14, 2008 - - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.,
unveiled the all-new 2009 Venza crossover sedan at a press conference here
today at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Venza will
raise the crossover vehicle to new levels by combining a unique blend of sedan
refinement and sport utility vehicle (SUV) functionality.

"The all-new Venza was developed as a vehicle that combines the styling,
comfort and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with
the surprising utility of an SUV," said Bob Carter, Toyota Division group vice
president and general manager. "This winning combination will be ideal for
active 'boomers' and young couples with small families."

All aspects of Venza's engineering and design were targeted specifically
for the North American market where it will be sold exclusively. Venza was
engineered at Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich., and designed at
Toyota's Calty design studios in Newport Beach, Calif. and Ann Arbor, Mich.
Venza will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK), in
Georgetown, Ky.

The development focus of the Venza design team was to create a new
crossover vehicle that shifted away from the more traditional SUV styling themes
that tend to dominate the segment. Calty designers leaned more heavily on a
sleek sedan concept with a wide stance that featured a sporty exterior and
premium comfort interior but would also be equipped with important SUV
attributes such as cargo space, towing capability and all-wheel-drive
performance.

The exterior design of the four-door Venza begins with an imposing front
end featuring a distinctive grille, headlights and fog lamps for an aggressive, yet
classy appearance. The front conforms to a sleek and aerodynamic shape with
short overhangs, crisp character lines and a roofline and ground clearance that
are lower than a typical crossover. From behind, Venza's refined appearance is
complete with an angled rear hatch, rear spoiler and wide wraparound tail lights
that interconnect with the hatch door.

On the inside, Calty designers and TTC engineers made comfort,
refinement and utility a priority for the five-passenger Venza. A lower rocker
design will allow occupants to more easily step in and out of the vehicle than a
typical sedan. Venza will also feature a higher ride height and hip points that will
provide significantly better driver visibility than most sedans and easier ingress
and egress than most SUVs.

Venza will feature a spacious interior providing ample room for all five
passengers and abundant SUV-like cargo space behind the second row of seats.
The rear hatch provides a low cargo height that allows for easy loading and
unloading of luggage and outdoor gear. Easy-to-use levers, one on each side of
the rear cargo area, allow the 60/40 split rear seats to fold flat, providing
additional storage space for extra long items such as surf boards, skis, camping
gear and gardening equipment. For added passenger comfort, the rear seats
recline up to 14 degrees.

A creative interior design complemented with an array of comfort and
convenience features provides Venza with a refined look and feel that is
commonly reserved for a luxury sedan. The flow of the instrumentation panel
(IP) creates a unique 60/60 design that gives both driver and front passenger the
look and feeling that 60 percent of the IP is accessible from their seating position.

An extra long center console extends from the IP and slopes down to a
center compartment with a unique sliding console cover. Sliding open the
compartment lid reveals a large storage well deep enough to hold a large purse.
The compartment is also illuminated and equipped with an auxiliary audio jack
and 12-volt power point. The upper portion of the center console houses the
gear-shift lever for easy and comfortable driver access. Climate control functions
are centrally located on the upper center console, providing easy accessibility for
both driver and passenger. The center console also contains an iPod/MP3
storage compartment with wire management and illuminated dual cupholders.
All Venza models will be equipped with an array of standard features
including auto dual zone air conditioning, AM/FM six-disc CD, tilt/telescopic
steering wheel with audio controls, remote keyless entry, electrochromic rearview
mirror with compass, a multi-information display, cruise control, optitron gauges,
rear wiper, privacy glass, and much more. On V6 models Venza will come
standard with dual exhaust tips and will be the first Toyota model to ride on
standard 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-cylinder models will come standard with 19-
inch alloy wheels.

Chrome accents throughout give Venza a refined look and feel. Models
equipped with an optional leather-trimmed interior will feature wood-grain-type
trim and seats stitched with dark piping that is tastefully coordinated with Venza's
standard linear grain dashboard and steering wheel. An array of storage space
will be available throughout the vehicle to accommodate passenger belongings.
A large storage compartment with an additional 12-volt power point located on
the passenger side of the front center console will be sizeable enough to contain
maps and magazines.

A panoramic roof will be offered as an option and will be a first for the
Toyota vehicle lineup. The roof will feature separate glass panels over the front
and rear seats. The front glass panel will have a power tilt/slide function.

Venza will also offer an Automatic High Beam headlight system, another
Toyota first. When high beam headlights are in use sensors in the Automatic
High Beam system will detect oncoming traffic and automatically switch the
headlights to low-beam. When the Automatic High Beam sensors no longer
detect oncoming traffic the system will switch the headlights back to high-beam
mode.

Additional optional equipment will include a navigation system equipped
with a JBL audio system, integrated satellite radio capability and BluetoothTM
technology; a premium JBL audio system with AM/FM six-disc CD changer,
satellite radio capability and BluetoothTM, rear seat entertainment system, a Smart
Key System, back-up camera and a power rear door.

The sleek and sporty styling, refined interior and outstanding utility
features are complemented with fun-to-drive performance attributes expected by
owners with active lifestyles. Aggressive handling typically found in a
performance coupe is well-balanced by the on-road comfort of an upscale sedan.
Venza will be available in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations. It will
provide drivers and passengers the best of both worlds by delivering the quiet
comfortable ride expected from a full-size sedan along with the peace-of-mind
that comes with all-wheel-drive.

Power will be generated by an available 3.5-liter V6 that will produce 268
horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 246 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm with a towing
capability of 3,500 pounds. Standard power will come from an all-new 2.7-liter
four-cylinder engine that will deliver capable performance and provide excellent
fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both engines will be mated with a six-speed
sequential-shift electronically-controlled automatic transmission.

Venza will be equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety
features. It will provide a total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag
and side and curtain airbags for both rows of seats. Venza will also be the first
sedan with Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring anti-lock brakes, traction
control, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and vehicle stability
control. Venza will also feature active head restraints as standard equipment.

"Venza will establish an exciting new crossover niche that will combine the
finest attributes of Toyota's diverse vehicle lineup," said Carter. "It will cater to
buyers who are looking for the value and reliability of a Camry, the comfort and
upscale refinement of an Avalon, and the utility and functionality of a Highlander
SUV in one very stylish and sporty package."
"When it goes on sale in late 2008, the Venza crossover sedan will
represent Toyota's latest commitment to driving change in the marketplace."

TOYOTA RETURNS TO ITS COMPACT TRUCK ROOTS WITH THE A-BAT CONCEPT VEHICLE

DETROIT - Jan. 13, 2008 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., returns to its compact pickup truck roots with its latest concept vehicle A-BAT.

The environmentally advanced A-BAT provides modern versatility, roominess and style in a compact pickup architecture. The A-BAT made its debut in Detroit at the 2008 North American International Auto Show today.

"Driving from beyond the suburbs to the city is a way of life for many people," said Kevin Hunter, president, Calty Design Research, Inc. "We've taken Toyota's truck heritage to a different level by envisioning a vehicle capable of maneuvering the suburbs as well as dirt roads. This compact truck is as comfortable for long commutes as it is for road trips. It can accommodate outdoor toys and home improvement supplies. Plus, customers benefit from the hybrid powertrain's low emissions and fuel economy."

The A-BAT concept was developed by the TMS Advanced Product Strategy group and Calty, Toyota's North American-based, research and design center located in Newport Beach, Calif. Together, they identified a buyer group whose unique combination of lifestyle activities and vehicle needs required a vehicle that as of now is not available in the market place. The team created a new genre of compact vehicle with good fuel economy, advanced functionality, maneuverability, unique styling within its segment, and a durable package suitable for an active lifestyle. Advanced styling was also key in making the A-BAT appropriate for today's market.

The A-BAT concept rides on a unibody platform for car-like handling when navigating city streets and crowded parking lots, and smooth ride quality for highway trips and the everyday commute. In addition, its lightweight package coupled with Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive® technology is designed to deliver excellent fuel economy. Translucent solar panels in the top surface of the instrument panel capture sunlight and convert it into energy, showcasing the vehicle's "green" character. Positioned below the Toyota Tacoma, A-BAT integrates truck features with car fundamentals for an efficient and modern package.

The A-BAT's unique aerodynamic exterior was crafted by Calty Project Chief Designer Ian Cartabiano and Creative Designer Matt Sperling. They integrated Toyota's design philosophy, "Vibrant Clarity" into the exterior by keeping the design forward-looking, crisp and functional.

The concept's unique look is a combination of the large body surfaces, intersecting tight surface planes, crisp lines and the trapezoidal profile. The A-BAT's 19-inch wheels sit at the vehicle's corners creating a tough and ready stance.

"We studied the 'trapezoid' silhouette from the side profile of the Toyota Prius and applied it to create an entirely new truck image," said Sperling. He further enhanced the trapezoidal profile by placing the cab forward, and using fast angle A- and C-pillars, shortened overhangs, and a sleek front window.

"The bold grille showcases Toyota's reverse trapezoid and T-face theme in a new way," explained Cartabiano. "The bed is defined by the C-pillar and is clearly separated from the cab to allow it to stand out from the rest of the profile."

"The image of a NATO all-terrain military truck inspired us to keep the occupants as far forward as possible to maximize rear bed capacity in this compact package," stated Sperling.

The A-BAT features a four-foot bed, but has more flexibility than the standard pickup truck. A translucent roof panel slides open to allow for tall cargo in the cab. When the pass-through midgate is folded down into the cab the bed lengthens an additional two feet. An open tailgate provides an additional two-foot of bed length. The A-BAT offers customers the versatility of hauling a standard 4x8 sheet of plywood one day, then taking a family on a camping trip to the lake the next.

The bed has features perfect for work and play. These include tailgate lighting for illuminating the load in the bed, a first aid kit and flashlight integrated into the tailgate, sliding tie downs, and an AC power outlet. Items such as sports and leisure equipment can be stored in the lockable drawers in the bed walls.

The concept also has additional storage that is accessible through sliding doors conveniently placed in and outside of the truck bed. For even more storage capacity the A-BAT comes with a large sliding drawer beneath the bed, accessible without opening the tailgate.

Although the A-BAT is rugged and has a spirited exterior, the interior team worked to create a modern look for the interior.

"We balanced colors and fabrics that were both bright and vibrant, but also captured an urban-rugged feel with their energetic and geometric qualities," said Alan Schneider, Project Chief Designer.

"The inspiration behind the exposed structure on the interior was drawn from high-end mountain bike frames," added Daryl Harris, Senior Creative Designer. "We applied lightweight construction materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, to the instrument panel, console and seats for increased structural rigidity while reducing mass."

The rigid, yet sculptured alloy center console runs between the two front seats and houses a portable power pack. The battery pack offers both AC and DC for a wide variety of applications including powering tools, electrical gear while camping, a laptop computer, small appliances or assisting a vehicle jump start.

The door trim, shoulder, armrest and instrument panel pads and seat cushions are made of a tough, lightweight and comfortable material that can be selected for personalization. In addition the colors are coordinated to enhance the sleek interior environment. The center console and door pockets feature carbon fiber components to complete the durable and modern look.

The four-passenger A-BAT offers numerous seating and storage configurations. In addition to the rear seats folding down with the midgate to extend the cargo bed length, the rear seat cushions can retract beneath the cargo bed to increase rear cab cargo flexibility. A removable storage tray beneath the rear seat offers tie downs and organizing compartments to secure loose cargo.

Inside the A-BAT has a retractable portable navigation unit with a seven-inch diagonal screen and Wi-Fi internet. Other advanced features include a port for portable device assistant synchronization and a hard drive for digital music.

Both the driver and front passenger have a large multi-information display screens on the IP to view the status of their high tech gadgets and HVAC and audio settings.

The solar panels on the dash recapture energy from the sun to assist in the charging of the navigation unit, portable power pack and backlit information displays.

"This concept is the next evolution of the compact truck," said Hunter.

"We were able to create a compact truck that's utilitarian, has an original profile compared to other pickup trucks, has a 'small, but tough' character and is economical to operate. The A-BAT is a fun-to-drive, practical package that reflects Toyota's environmental sustainability message."

All-New Toyota Venza Crossover Sedan To Make World Debut At 2008 North American International Auto Show

December 19, 2007 - Torrance, CA - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., will stage the world premiere of the all-new 2009 Toyota Venza crossover sedan at a press conference at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Venza will be a unique blend of sedan and sport utility vehicle, offering seating for five, easy ingress and egress, a car-like ride and functional utility. Venza was designed and engineered in the United States and will be assembled at Toyota's manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

The press conference will be held on Monday, January 14 at 10:50 AM Eastern Time in the Riverview Ballroom at COBO Center and simulcast live to the Toyota display area at the show. A video clip of the press conference will be available for viewing following the event on the Toyota.com website. [Source: Toyota]