• San Francisco, CA (May 15, 2007)

Lexus announced today its continued sponsorship of the California Clean Tech Open, the second annual competition promoting the creation of clean technology, at a launch event at San Francisco's City Hall. For the second consecutive year, Lexus will serve as the Transportation category prize sponsor.

"Lexus is committed to our leadership position in developing luxury-hybrid vehicles, and support of the California Clean Tech Open continues our belief in the advancement of transportation through technological innovation," said Jim Farley, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "Each of our hybrids, from the RX 400h and GS 450h to the new LS 600h L, has introduced improved efficiency and lower emissions to new segments of the public."

The California Clean Tech Open Transportation category is designed to attract technologies that improve fuel efficiency, reduce air pollution, and minimize dependence on gasoline, such as more efficient batteries, lightweight nano-materials, affordable fuel cells, and readily available flexible-fuel vehicles.

Lexus has been a leader in the hybrid automotive world since the 2004 debut of the RX 400h, the world's first luxury-hybrid vehicle that Lexus estimates saves 350-450 gallons of gasoline per year compared to comparable luxury SUVs. The debut of the GS 450h, the first-ever luxury hybrid sedan, and this summer's launch of the LS 600h L, the hybrid version of the brand's flagship sedan, illustrate the luxury brand's level of innovation and distinctiveness unique to the industry. Lexus' hybrids achieve a seemingly contradictory combination of powerful engine performance, impressive fuel efficiency and fewer smog-forming emissions.

As the luxury division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. (TMS), Lexus and its parent company are dedicated to environmentally sustainable transportation. In addition to the company's commitment to hybrid technology and to the research and development of other advanced and alternative-fuel vehicle technologies, Toyota's environmental commitment extends beyond its automotive products.

Toyota manages the environmental impacts at each vehicle life-cycle stage, including design, manufacturing, sales and distribution, and end-of-life recycling. Toyota's average fuel economy is one of the best overall among all full-line automakers, and 90 percent of its models are certified to ULEV or better, with all hybrids garnering SULEV certification. The company's manufacturing plants incorporate state-of-the-art environmental technologies and have achieved zero-landfill status, and two of its newest sales and distribution facilities have earned Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Toyota also contributes millions of dollars to external environmental programs and fosters an environmental spirit in its staff, with associates devoting countless hours at events like National Public Lands Day.