Irvine, Calif., (April 28, 2005) – Toyota, the number one selling lift truck supplier in the U.S., recently donated more than $323,000 to benefit its community and industry.

Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU) together with Toyota Industries Corporation contributed $300,000 to the American Red Cross, the majority of which was sent for Southern Asia earthquake and tsunami disaster relief efforts. A small portion of the donation was allocated to the Orange County branch of the American Red Cross to bring comfort to displaced families following the more than 200 disasters the Orange County Red Cross responds to each year.

“We are extremely grateful for Toyota Material Handling’s generous donation,” said Lynn Howes, director of communications and development for the Orange County Red Cross. “It is because of organizations like TMHU that the Red Cross is able to provide immediate relief to victims when they need it the most.”

Another contribution was donated to The Paul Merage School of Business at University California Irvine (UC Irvine). TMHU endorses UC Irvine's commitment to giving graduate students the opportunity to receive an exceptional education at an affordable price.

“Gifts such as that of Toyota Material Handling play a vital role in strengthening UC Irvine,” said UC Irvine Dean Andrew J. Policiano. “They influence university success by providing the resources necessary to enhance excellence in the classroom, the research laboratory, and all across campus, inspiring advancement in technology, research and learning that will shape our society's future.”

In addition to supporting disaster relief and education, TMHU supports the future of the material handling industry as well. TMHU donated money to the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. to be used for awarding select students Toyota Material Handling scholarships. The Toyota Material Handling scholarships benefit students studying in pre-qualified universities and colleges with the goal of entering the material handling logistics field upon graduation.

“We are grateful that Toyota Material Handling shares our goal of encouraging and supporting material handling education,” said Victoria Wheeler, executive director of the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. “Gifts such as these contribute greatly to the development of the next generation of managers and engineers who will recognize the opportunities and potential for improved material handling and management.”

TMHU also donated funds to benefit the Home Depot Foundation. The Home Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that help low-income families secure affordable, quality housing and restore urban and rural forests.

TMHU also supported the following nonprofits in 2004: Hoag Hospital, UC Irvine Medical Center, Youth Alive!, City of Hope Cancer Center and many local high schools.

TMHU is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and offers a full line of high-quality lift trucks sold under the Toyota brand. Built on a reputation for excellence, Toyota is known for its quality, reliability and durability. Third-party research shows Toyota lift trucks rank highest in value and quality among the top competitors. Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured in Columbus, Ind., at Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing.

Toyota’s commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Seventy authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers with a total of 186 dealership locations throughout the United States offer comprehensive customer service support, including one-stop shopping for both new and Certified Used lift trucks, parts, service and financing. For more information on TMHU, please visit www.toyotaforklift.com or call 1-800-226-0009.