Toyota Introduces Diversity Program

Toyota Motor Corp.’s U.S. sales division said it is adding four African American dealers to its U.S. network as part of a new dealership diversity program. The Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc. program calls for improved recruitment, financial assistance and hands-on training of minority dealers. It also calls for the appointment of diversity representatives on the company’s Toyota and Lexus brand dealership councils. The moves follow earlier initiatives to create more opportunities for minorities and women in the Japan-based company’s U.S. division. The new program stemmed from an internal evaluation of dealership diversity and from recommendations of the National Assn. of Minority Automobile Dealers and an advisory group made up of existing Toyota dealers. The new minority dealers will be based in Modesto, San Juan Capistrano and Redding, and in Mesa, Ariz.