DC Velocity - January 2009

This past year has no doubt challenged everyone in the industry. The material handling industry has had to reflect internally and ask ourselves, “How can we do things better, faster and more efficiently? How can we help our customers reduce operating costs?” In this business climate, it is important more than ever to continuously improve, proactively anticipate customers’ diversified needs and be a complete solutions provider. We’ve created initiatives and products to help you thrive and excel, even in the most challenging of times. Our most recent initiatives include:

Brett Wood, President

• The AC Advantage: We’ve introduced a new line of 8-Series AC reach trucks designed for distribution centers, retail operations, refrigerated warehouses and third party logistics (3PL) applications seeking energy efficient electric lift trucks. These lift trucks are designed to help our customers increase their productivity and performance through faster travel speeds, reduced maintenance costs and an overall extended life cycle by leveraging the power of AC technology.

• Increasing the Charge: Through an alliance with AeroVironment, the No. 1 battery fast charge system manufacturer, Toyota’s customers have access to high quality PosiCharge battery fast charge systems. These systems are designed to reduce the total number of batteries required to operate a fleet of electric lift trucks, thereby improving productivity time for the operator, and the efficiency and life cycle of the battery itself (while reducing the number of batteries heading to landfills).

• Going Big: We’ve launched a new line of large IC pneumatic lift trucks designed for demanding applications, including construction, lumber yards, metal fabricators, agriculture, and concrete and masonry yards. Toyota now offers six models to choose from in 22,000- to 35,000-pound capacities all equipped with a powerful 6.7-liter Hino diesel engine.

• Expanding North American Manufacturing: Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing, the 870,000 square-foot Columbus, Ind. lift truck manufacturing plant, underwent a 20,000 square-foot expansion to accommodate the addition of tow tractor manufacturing operations. It is the facility’s 11th expansion since the plant opened in 1990.

• Rising to New Heights: Toyota is now the sole U.S. distributor of Aichi scissor lifts, and wheeled and crawler boom lifts. Aichi, a Toyota Industries Company, offers the world’s only scissor lifts with AC motor technology for longer duty cycles and faster traveling speeds (up to 1. 5 times better).

• Planting Seeds of Change: As a result of our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, by the end of 2009, more than 50,000 trees will be planted in national forests and local parks damaged by fire or other natural causes.

We continue to explore a range of technologies that use existing fuels and alternative energy sources in an effort to meet evolving industry needs both today and well into the future. This research underscores our global charter and commitment to developing innovative technologies and products that are environmentally responsible and economically viable. In January 2009, look for the North American debut of our hybrid concept lift truck at the ProMat Show in Chicago, Ill.

Toyota’s tradition of success has been built upon its customers, associates and a network of 68 authorized Toyota Industrial Equipment dealers— with a total of 190 dealership locations throughout the United States—and we thank you for your continued support. On behalf of everyone at Toyota Material Handling, U.S.A., Inc., we wish each of you a prosperous 2009.