[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15173]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           MADE IN THE U.S.A.

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I proudly rise today to celebrate 
a truly remarkable milestone in the American automobile industry. 
Today, Toyota Motor North America will produce its 10 millionth North 
American-built vehicle. This notable achievement will take place at the 
Toyota production facility located in Georgetown KY.
  I am extremely pleased that the more than 8,000 employees at the 
Georgetown facility will have the unique and historical opportunity to 
produce the 10 millionth Toyota to say Made in America. On a personal 
note, I myself bought a Camry last November, born and bred at the 
Georgetown facility in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
  Today, Toyota's dedicated team members annually build over 900,000 
Avalons, Camrys, Corollas, Sequoias, Siennas, Tacomas, and Tundras in 
the United States; in fiscal year 2001, Toyota sold nearly 2 million 
vehicles in North America. This means that nearly all of the cars sold 
in America are made here as well. Nothing gives me more pride than to 
see a product stamped with made in the U.S.A. especially when that 
means made in Kentucky.
  Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky began production in Georgetown 
in 1988. Today, the Georgetown production facility is Toyota's largest 
production plant in all of North America due largely to their selfless 
and committed workforce. With two vehicle production lines and a 
powertrain engine and axle facility, more than 8,000 team members build 
around 500,000 vehicles and nearly 400,000 engines each and every year. 
Kentucky's skilled production team has been the key to the facility's 
extraordinary success, and I can personally vouch for the quality of 
Kentucky craftsmanship.
  To celebrate their many accomplishments, Toyota is donating 20 Sienna 
minivans in communities where facilities are located. In Georgetown, 
minivans will be donated to the Salvation Army and Senior Citizens of 
Georgetown/Scott County. Also, Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America 
has announced a $1 million gift to the children of Toyota's 
manufacturing team members through a college scholarship fund.
  I would like to congratulate everyone involved with Toyota for 
reaching such a prestigious mark in the auto industry. Specifically, I 
would like to thank the employees in Georgetown for all that they do 
for Toyota and the local business community. These hard-working men and 
women deserve praise for their dedication and commitment to excellence. 
They represent the spirit of capitalism and embody the American working 
man and woman.

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