I asked Toyota over the weekend for a statement on the recent defections from the United States Chamber of Commerce. Here is their full response:

Toyota is a member of a wide array of groups and organizations. Our association with these groups does not signify that we agree with all of their policies. It means we are there to have a dialogue and engage in making good policy.

For decades, Toyota has had a strong record of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from our products and plants. In fact, since 1997, we reduced GHG emissions from our plants by 27% and sold more than 1.04 million hybrids in the U.S. and nearly 2 million worldwide.

Toyota supports economy-wide reductions of greenhouse gases. With respect to vehicles, automobiles are best addressed by performance standards, such as CAFE, the upcoming EPA GHG regulations, and the harmonized rules now being developed by NHTSA and EPA that will address CO2 emissions from the vehicle. That is why TMS President Jim Lentz stood with President Obama at the White House last May to support a national program to address greenhouse gases from vehicles.

Please be assured we have documented your concern and it is through feedback such as yours that we come to understand the expectations of our customers. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Corporate Communications