Toyota Dealers Show Support on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2010; As Toyota executives prepare to address Members of Congress, representatives of the Toyota employment community arrived on Capitol Hill to tell their side of the recall story, and show support for the Toyota brand.

"We are here today representing the Toyota community that is present in every state, serving tens of millions of Americans, donating millions to local causes and accounting for more than 200,000 jobs," said Tammy Darvish, vice president of four independent Toyota dealerships in the Washington, D.C. area. "Our sense of responsibility to our customers is as broad as our reach. Our teams of mechanics and service staff are on the frontline, ensuring Toyota owners get the prompt, thorough service they deserve."

More than 100 dealers from across the nation united to send the message to Members of Congress that they are committed to serving their customers and supporting the Toyota brand. Joined by team members from each of the ten Toyota plants in the U.S., the dealers will remain in town through Wednesday, February 24, when Toyota chairman and CEO Akio Toyoda testifies before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

"The show of solidarity here today underscores how united dealers are and the dedication they have to their customers and Toyota's brand," said Cody Lusk, President of the American International Automobile Dealers Association.