Toyota Scores Triple-Play in New England Winter Vehicle Contest

    BOSTON, Feb. 14 Toyota trucks walked away with an
unprecedented three awards in the New England Motor Press Association's
(NEMPA) Official Winter Vehicle competition.  Frank Miller, vehicle sales
manager of Toyota's Boston Regional Office, accepted the awards on behalf of
the Region's 71 dealers from Maine to Rhode Island.
    A panel of seasoned automotive writers and broadcasters chose the new
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 as the winner in the compact pickup truck
category, the V8-powered Toyota Tundra Access Cab 4x4 as the best full-sized
pickup truck, and the all-new V8 Toyota Sequoia 4x4 as the champ in the
full-sized sport-utility vehicle division.
    "This is the first time I can remember any manufacturer sweeping three
classes in a single year," said NEMPA president John Paul, manager of
automotive technical services for AAA Southern New England.  Paul and NEMPA
vice president Glenn Gould of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette presented the
trophies at a ceremony held in the atrium of The Boston Globe.
    NEMPA is a professional organization of automotive journalists who live
and work throughout New England.  Each year the organization chooses vehicles
in several categories that are best suited to meet the needs of New England
drivers.  During a final evaluation of test vehicles from numerous
manufacturers on January 27, at least a foot of snow was on the ground and a
sheet of hard pack and glare ice covered the evaluation course.
    "Notoriously fierce winters with ice, snow, sand and frost-damaged roads
combine to make New England the ultimate testing ground for winter
preparedness," said Paul.  "These vehicles have been receiving extended
judgment for the entire winter, allowing NEMPA members to evaluate performance
... in what has proven to be a notably harsh winter."