IRVINE, Calif., (April 20, 2006) — Kosaku Yamada, former chief engineer of America’s best-selling car, the Toyota Camry, now serves as managing director of Toyota Industries Corporation overseeing the design, development and manufacturing process of Toyota lift trucks, announced Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU).

Yamada’s experience includes numerous years as the chief engineer at Toyota Motor Corporation where he was responsible for the design and development process for many of Toyota’s vehicles, including the Camry, Lexus ES300 and Avalon. His career with Toyota spans 30 years, during which he helped to satisfy many drivers by blending exceptional style with outstanding performance. The vehicles Yamada designed consistently rank among the best selling in the United States.

"We are thrilled Kosaku’s experience and creative vision is now focused on developing Toyota’s lift trucks," said Shankar Basu, president and CEO of TMHU. "It is a perfect fit to have the best-selling vehicle engineer now designing the best-selling lift trucks."

Yamada is responsible for implementing new design concepts to offer comprehensive safety, ergonomic and productivity features. In this current position, he oversees Toyota’s global lift truck research, development, design and manufacturing.

"I am always excited by a new challenge," said Yamada. "Although the logistics of the design process are different with lift trucks, the goal is the same—customer satisfaction."

Yamada joined Toyota Motor Corporation in 1972 and less than 20 years later was appointed project general manager of its product planning department. Since then, his rise up the ranks has reflected his continuous contributions to the success of Toyota. He previously served as chief engineer of the Camry from 1991 to 2001, and in 2002 he became general manager of the product planning office in TICO’s vehicle division.

About Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc. (TMHU), the number one selling lift truck supplier in the U.S. since 2002, 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. In fact, third-party research indicates Toyota lift trucks rank highest in quality and value among the top competitors. Quality is the hallmark of Toyota’s world-renowned Toyota Production System practiced at all Toyota manufacturing facilities, including Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing (TIEM) in Columbus, Ind. Most of the Toyota lift trucks sold in the United States are manufactured at TIEM.

Toyota’s commitment to excellence in customer service extends nationwide. Sixty-nine authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers, with a total of 184 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.