Toyota Recognized for Diversity

Yesterday, Toyota was named among the Best Companies for Diversity by Black Enterprise, to be included in the July 2006 issue of the magazine.
With 40 companies included this year, the list recognizes companies that have demonstrated significant representation of African Americans and other ethnic minorities in areas including procurement, corporate boards, senior management, and the total workforce.
This was the first time that Toyota has participated in the Black Enterprise survey, which looks at over 1,000 of America’s largest publicly traded companies, as well as global companies with significant U.S. operations.
As part of the Best Companies for Diversity, Black Enterprise also recognized Toyota among its 10 Best Companies in Marketing Diversity for efforts including advertising, promotions, community outreach, and scholarships.
In addition, Toyota was named among the 10 Best Companies in Supplier Diversity for its spending and relationships with ethnic and women-owned suppliers.
Five years ago Toyota launched its 21st Century Diversity Strategy, which set tangible diversity targets in areas including employment, procurement and dealer development.
With the help of the industry’s only external diversity advisory board, a seven-member board chaired by former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Toyota has made strong progress, including more than doubling its annual spending with diverse suppliers. In addition, people of color now represent 30 percent of Toyota’s employment.
“Toyota has always considered diversity and inclusion to be a top priority across the company,” said Patricia Pineda, group vice president of Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
“While we are thrilled to be recognized for our efforts by Black Enterprise, as well as other recent honors, we realize that there is still much work to be done. We’re committed to working with our senior managers, associates and team members, as well as our diversity advisory board to ensure that we continue to instill these principles across every aspect of our business.”