Toyota Announces $7.8 Billion Long-Term Diversity Commitment.

Toyota announced a comprehensive rededication to diversity and inclusion that will generate more than $7.8 billion in sustainable minority economic impact by Toyota’s North American companies over the next 10 years. These funds will flow to the minority community through procurement, advertising, dealer development, community involvement, professional services and career training. Representing a dramatic increase over the present levels of commitment, the plan also includes processes to ensure accountability and delivery of promises. The strategy was jointly developed by Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, North America, Inc.

Toyota also announced a multi-million-dollar industry initiative to improve minority representation in lucrative dealership management and technical positions. This new program will go beyond traditional corporate diversity measures that focus on compliance and quotas, helping to launch careers and fill the automotive dealership pipeline with diverse talent.

“With this comprehensive, 21st Century strategy for diversity and inclusion, which is firmly rooted in the Toyota principles of continuous improvement and respect for people, we have the opportunity to stand out as a leader in corporate diversity,” said James E. Press, TMS executive vice president and chief operating officer.

A series of meetings with Rainbow/PUSH Coalition founder Reverend Jesse Jackson provided Toyota with an opportunity for a comprehensive review of its existing diversity programs. As a result, significant new opportunities benefiting both Toyota and the auto industry were identified, making possible the benchmark plan announced today. The company will seek additional feedback and support from a variety of minority organizations and leaders as it goes forward.

Creation of career opportunity for diverse candidates at all levels, especially retail dealership management, is a primary goal. Toyota’s newest programs, collectively named the “Toyota Avenues for Advancement Program” (TAAP), will address this issue by creating sustainable avenues for diverse candidates to become successful dealership service technicians and dealership managers.