REMARKS AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY - SANDY K. BARUAH ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA - LAFAYETTE, INDIANA

MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2006

(As Prepared for Delivery)

Thank you, Dennis, for that kind introduction.

It is my distinct honor to join Governor Daniels, Senator Lugar, and Congressman Buyer to celebrate this important occasion, and I thank Toyota Motor North America for the invitation to be here.

On behalf of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and myself, allow me to extend our congratulations to Toyota Motor North America for its for its continued expansion into the American market and their smart decision to add significantly to their vehicle production capacity right here in Indiana.

The American economy is strong and is gaining steam -- 17 straight quarters of economic growth.

243,000 jobs were created in February. Over 2 million jobs have been created over the past 12 months. The unemployment rate is 4.8%, what many economists consider full employment.

Toyota’s decision to invest in this community is a result of successful regional collaborative efforts between leaders in the State of Indiana, Tippecanoe County, the City of Lafayette and other areas. Working together, these jurisdictions made this region the competitive choice for Toyota to expand its operations.

The competitiveness of our nation increasingly depends on the competitiveness of America’s regions. And Toyota’s investment in Indiana has not only made a difference for the folks here in Lafayette, but has transformed the entire economic region. This region of America is now more economically competitive in the global marketplace.

And this is important, because for America’s companies to be fully competitive, the regions in which they do business must be competitive as well.

Between Toyota’s ability to build the #1 best-selling car here in Lafayette, and its innovative technology that will soon result in the all-new Camry Hybrid, it is clear that Toyota – with its American workforce – is a world-class innovator.

We hear a lot in the media about “outsourcing” and of course, anytime a job is lost it is cause for concern. However, the fact is that America actually “in-sources” more jobs than it outsources. And Toyota is a prime example of the high quality jobs Americans have thanks to the global marketplace. Foreign investment in America has resulted in over 6 million higher-wage, higher-skill jobs for American workers.

• Congratulations to Toyota on this impressive milestone for its North American operations.

• Congratulations to Governor Daniels, Senator Lugar and Congressman Buyer.

• Congratulations to the workers and suppliers who benefit from today’s announcement.

• But perhaps most importantly, congratulations to the citizens of Tippecanoe County and the surrounding economic region. Your future is indeed looking bright.

Dennis, congratulations to you and your team.

END