Toyota Donates One-of-a-Kind 'Tundra' to Cincinnati Police Department

CINCINNATI, June 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Since its launch in February 2007, Toyota's new Tundra has won the hearts of truck fans across the country because of its rugged good looks, awesome towing capacity and a long list of features that are important to truck buyers.

However, a Tundra unlike any other will soon be joining the Cincinnati Police Department. While rugged, outdoors work and reliable service are sure to be part of its job, there are major differences in body style and features. This Tundra will feature four legs instead of four doors, and a tail instead of a tailgate.

At a ceremony held today at the Cincinnati Police Department's firing range, Toyota donated $5,000 to the Cincinnati Police Department to replace a retiring member of its canine unit. Since Toyota made the donation, and the retiring dog was named "Dakota," police officials decided to show their appreciation by naming the new one "Tundra."

"We owe many thanks to Toyota for making this possible," said Sergeant Daniel Hils, supervisor of the Cincinnati Police Department's canine unit. "Without their donation we might not have been able to replace Dakota."

"Toyota is ecstatic to have the opportunity to help the Cincinnati Police Department," said Andrew Gilleland, Assistant General Manager for Toyota Motor Sales Cincinnati Region. "And when we heard that the new canine would be named "Tundra" after our new line of trucks, we were flattered," he added.

Cincinnati Police Department's canine unit is responsible for assisting officers in high-risk search operations that often require the dog's keen sense of smell to locate potentially armed and dangerous individuals suspected of criminal activity and evading police.

The Cincinnati Police Department has 10 canine patrol teams. Each canine plays an important role within the department.

"We train these dogs to track felons and other armed and dangerous criminals," said Hils. "These dogs can clear buildings faster than an entire team of officers and often are in less danger while doing so."

About Toyota

Toyota established operations in North America in 1957 and will operate 15 manufacturing plants in North America by 2010. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America which sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in 2006. Toyota directly employs over 41,000 in North America and its investment here is currently valued at more than $18.6 billion, including sales and manufacturing operations, research and development, financial services and design. Toyota's annual purchasing of parts, materials, goods and services from North American suppliers totals more than $28.5 billion. According to a 2005 Center for Automotive Research study, Toyota, along with its dealers and suppliers, has generated nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs, including jobs created through spending by direct, dealer and suppliers employees.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyota.com.

Source: [url=http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/CLTH00328062007-1.htm]CNNMoney.com[/url]