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March 16, 2005
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This Week:

• The refined power of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

• Mazda MX-5 3rd Generation Limited to Debut at New York International Auto Show

• GM Selects Kroymans Corporation As Sole HUMMER European Distributor

• HMA Reaches Production Milestone - 500,000th Alabama-built Honda Produced

• Dacia introduces Logan - a new automobile offering in Europe

• DaimlerChrysler and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation conclude final agreement

• Toyota's Zeebrugge Vehicle Centre Handles 1 Millionth Vehicle

• Chance To Stay On First Tee During Buick Open Pro-Am Up For Bid On Ebay

• Enjoy riding a bike without the hassle of gear changes: Mercedes-Benz presents the innovative Automatic Bike

• 2004 - The BMW Group's Most Successful Financial Year

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Toyota's Zeebrugge Vehicle Centre Handles 1 Millionth Vehicle

 

Brussels - Toyota's Vehicle Logistics Centre in Zeebrugge, Belgium today celebrated the handling of its 1 millionth vehicle since starting its operations in January 2001. The vehicle hub is responsible for the pan-European distribution of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, representing an investment of €15.3 million and employing a total of 127 people. The Zeebrugge VLC is helping Toyota maximise its logistics efficiency and customer satisfaction in Europe whilst reducing costs and delivery times.

Zeebrugge was selected as the location for the VLC because of its excellent existing shipping, road and rail transport connections. The total area of the site is 460,000m², with buildings totalling 2,650m², and a 420,000m² storage capacity for up to 19,000 vehicles.

The Zeebrugge VLC fulfils several key functions. First, the site receives Toyota and Lexus vehicles arriving from production sites in Japan, the U.K., France, Turkey and Portugal. Second, the VLC is the export location for the U.K., Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia and other countries for Yaris models built at Toyota's plant in Valenciennes, France. Third, Zeebrugge VLC acts as the export base for Toyota and Lexus models to Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic and the Ukraine, and transports Corolla models built in Turkey to vehicle logistics sites in Sweden and Finland. The VLC also acts as a central stock location undertaking Post Production Option ( PPO) mounting, Pre Delivery Inspection ( PDI) and Direct Dealer Delivery ( DDD) for Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Germany . Finally, the centre will be the transit location for imports for France, which will be transported to Toyota's vehicle hub at Valenciennes.

Belgium is the location for many of Toyota's key European sites. Toyota's European headquarters in Evere - near Brussels - acts as the nerve centre for all European operations including the principal areas of manufacturing and engineering, and marketing and sales activities. Toyota also operates a Training Centre and an Accessory and Service centre nearby.

Toyota's Technical Centre in Zaventem oversees Research & Development (R&D), Purchasing and Production Engineering activities. In March 2004, Toyota decided to increase its investment in the centre by an additional €75 million over the next five years. The move is expected to create at least 200 additional engineering jobs. Toyota also operates a 70,000m² European parts centre in Diest (30 km east of Brussels), employing a total of 550 people and representing an investment of €73 million.

(March 9, 2005)