Joe Gibbs Racing MX

TORRANCE, Calif. (May 7, 2010) – Toyota Motor Sales, Inc., U.S.A., Inc. announced today that it will extend its official vehicle sponsorship for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, through 2012.

Toyota and the series enjoy a long standing relationship. Specifically, Toyota was the first automotive company to sponsor stadium supercross over 30 years ago.

Widely regarded as the king of adrenaline and extreme sports, Monster Energy Supercross is one of the most thrilling and aggressive endeavors in the world. “The supercross platform provides an impressive vehicle conquest sales opportunity. It makes perfect business sense to continue the relationship with Toyota as the Official Vehicle of the series,” said Ed Laukes, Toyota’s corporate motorsports manager. Each venue draws a family crowd that is youthful and edgy, and therefore provides ideal sales opportunities for Toyota through its exciting truck and SUV vehicle line-up: the full size Tundra, the rugged Tacoma, the durable 5th Generation 4Runner, the capable FJ Cruiser and the all new Sienna.

Toyota has gained benefits from its Monster Energy Supercross relationship with increased market share -- 15% of supercross fans now own or lease a Toyota*.

Toyota’s commitment to supercross is further evidenced through its relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross. In 2008 Toyota partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing as the team’s presenting sponsor and official vehicle. “Toyota’s been in supercross for more than three decades and is arguably the strongest brand name amongst the fans”, said Coy Gibbs, JGRMX team owner. “We are extremely proud to be associated with the Gibbs Family – they are among the decade’s most accomplished racing team whether it be NASCAR or supercross”, said Les Unger, Toyota’s national motorsports manager.

*Source: 2010 Scarborough Research