Initiative to encourage, acknowledge and award those working towards the green cause

New Delhi, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/11/2010 -- After a huge success of the NDTV Toyota environment campaign Greenathon I & II, NDTV in partnership with Toyota today announced the Green Awards to encourage, acknowledge and award the Champions of the Earth for environmental leadership (globally) contributing most towards protecting our environment.

The Awards illustrate the crucial role that needs to be played by everyone across the spectrum and showcase examples of excellence and best practices in championing the green issues.

A first-of-its-kind award in India, Green Awards aim to recognise excellence in all sections of the society- Rural, Urban, Corporate, Domestic, Educational Institutions & Resident Welfare Associations. The contenders will be judged by eminent jury and the awardees will be given a cash prize of.100,000/-, a certificate and a Green Trophy. The eminent jury of experts, in partnership with TERI, from environmental and sustainable fields will form a steering group created for the Awards, to ensure we move forward with the best possible advice and expertise available. Actor Priyanka Chopra will play a key role as a Green Ambassador in this initiative.

The GREEN Awards are global and are opened for entries from all over the world. The GREEN Awards will recognise excellence in 17 categories, details available on ndtv.com/greenawards. Nominations will start from August and continue till September. Selection of the winners and awards announcement will take place in November this year. To raise awareness of the same, the Awards will be supported by an extensive media campaign in print and on radio as well.

Announcing the Green Awards, Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman, NDTV Ltd, said, "The first and second years of the NDTV-Toyota Greenathon have been a huge success, and as we announce the Green Awards we are once again reaffirming our commitment to the cause which has become an inherent part of NDTV. We look forward to your support in establishing the NDTV-Toyota Green Awards on the national eco-calendar."

Pledging her support as the Green ambassador, Priyanka Chopra added, "Every citizen should take simple green steps to make Earth a better place to live in. The small steps taken forward will collectively turn into a big step and will show a measurable and positive change. I am happy that NDTV & Toyota Greenathon Campaign I & II were huge successes. It's the right time to acknowledge those who have made all possible efforts to make our future greener and safer. The Green awards will encourage the citizens to come forward and do their bits to save the environment. I feel privileged to be part of this noble initiative."

Appreciating the efforts, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Minister for Environment and Forests said, "Climate change is both a global and domestic issue today and requires a joint and concerted effort on the part of all concerned. This includes government, private industries, civil society groups as well as individuals. We need to significantly improve India's natural forest cover, establish an effective environmental grievance tribunal and chalk out a climate change agenda for sustainable and long-term growth. It is very important to inform and remind our citizens of the overarching importance to utilise our resources judiciously. I am glad that NDTV & Toyota have come together to speak out in furtherance of this noble cause. We applaud and support the work these responsible organisations are doing to secure the planet for our future generations, and hope they will continue their good work into the future."

Expressing his view on the partnership between NDTV & TERI Dr. RK Pachauri, Nobel Laureate for Peace Prize 2007, Director General TERI and Chairman IPCC, said, "The NDTV Toyota Green campaign is a positive step to mobilise the masses and ignite a green movement. The Greenathon I & II received enthusiastic public support from all sections of society. The association between NDTV & TERI brought light to millions of rural people in India. It is wonderful to see the partnership flourishing. I am happy NDTV conceived Green Awards. TERI will provide all possible support to make this Green awards successful."

Sharing his views on the initiative, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motors added, "Toyota is proud to be associated with India's biggest green awards. We believe in sustainable development, which means achieving synergy between environmental conservation and economic growth. To achieve this synergy, it is imperative that the cause of the environment be publicized as widely as possible, and green initiatives be recognized and adequately awarded. At our plant, we practice environment-friendly systems and processes to ensure the development of a prosperous, low-carbon society. Our plant is surrounded by a green belt and our operations (and those of our dealerships) meet the highest environmental standards. Last year, we executed a large-scale afforestation activity at our plant, where our employees, their friends and families and other stakeholders came together to plant nearly 64000 saplings."

The GREEN Awards will recognise excellence in 17 categories:

• Best Green Product
• Best Green Campaign
• Best Green State
• Best Green School
• Best Green Ambassador
• Best Green CSR Project
• Best Green Educational Project
• Best Green Innovation: Product
• Best Green Company
• Best Green Innovation: Technology
• Best Green Advertising
• Best Green Event
• Best Green Moving Image (audio-visual, tv spot, short film)
• Special Jury Green Award
• Green Hero: (Above 18 yrs)
• Green Champion: (Below 18 yrs)
• Best Green Design (Architecture)

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Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/02/2010 -- Toyota Technical Training Institute (TTTI) today conferred academic degrees to 63 students - the first batch - on the successful completion of its 3 year training course (2007-2010). The convocation ceremony was graced by Dr Abdul Kalam, Former President of India. He toured the facilities at the institute and also spent time interacting with the students. The programme trains the students to be skilled technicians in auto manufacturing and plant administration thereby increasing their employment prospects.

The academic course consists of a comprehensive, full time training in the following trades - Automobile Assembly, Automobile Paint, Automobile Weld and Mechatronics (a combination of mechanical and industrial electronics). The courses involve training at TKM plant where students are exposed to the practical experience of applying the world renowned Toyota Production System to the various manufacturing processes.

The curriculum is designed to be a complete learning experience, with basic subjects and recreational activities, being included in addition to imparting knowledge on automobile manufacturing. The purpose of this technical training institute is to offer students an opportunity to acquire special skills of "Monozukuri" ("skilled manufacturing").

TTTI was established in 2007 as a part of TKM's social initiatives.TTTI trains students from economically poor backgrounds, coming from various parts of rural Karanataka, who have the talent but cannot opt for higher education. The institute is a fully residential school providing education free-of-cost to the students. The students are also given a stipend. The deserving students receive fellowships in addition to the stipend. 40% of the students received fellowships for academic excellence this year. The institute not only trains students to be skilled workers, but also focuses on nurturing them to be good people.

TTTI currently has 191 students. Additionally, 64 students have been selected from the 1380 applications, received this year.

Furthermore, TKM will encourage potential graduates of Toyota Technical Training Institute to join the company as Team Members. "We wish that these talented students contribute to the society through the manufacture of automobiles and hope that these bright young minds will be able to further strengthen the Toyota Production System at the TKM plant. We desire them to become good corporate citizens. Good people make good products," added Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, TKM.

• 63 students graduate from TTTI
• Students trained to be world class technicians
• 40% of students receive fellowships for academic excellence
• Students, industry-ready technicians on completion of training

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A Joint Venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Toyota Industries and Kirloskar Group - will produce engines and transmissions for the Toyota Etios.

Bangalore, Karnataka -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/11/2010 -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced that Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts Pvt, Ltd. (TKAP) – a joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), Toyota Industries and Kirloskar Group - will produce engines and transmissions for the Toyota Etios. The Etios concept was showcased early this year at the Delhi Auto Expo. The Etios will be produced in TKM's second plant, with an initial capacity of 70,000 units. The production of the vehicle, developed exclusively for the Indian market, is scheduled to begin in late 2010.

At TKAP, approximately 100,000 engines will be produced per year starting in the third quarter of 2012 and approximately 240,000 transmissions per year starting in early 2013. The new production at the plant represents an investment of approximately Rs. 5 billion. The plant will employ approximately 500 new employees.

TKAP currently produces manual transmissions for the "Fortuner" manufactured in India, Thailand and Argentina. It also produces axles and propeller shafts for the "Innova", manufactured in India. Production of engines and transmissions for the Etios will further localize parts production.

Commenting on the occasion Mr. Nakagawa, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "The Etios has been designed specifically for the Indian market. The domestic production of engines and transmission will enable us to provide the best quality product, at a competitive price. India plays a vital role in Toyota's global expansion plans and this development marks another step towards Toyota's growth in India".

Mr. Hisashi Suzuki, MD, Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts said, "Though TKAP is currently more of a global source for R-type manual transmissions, with the addition of these two new products, we will contribute more towards employment of local labour, develop local suppliers, showcase India and Karnataka in particular and above all delight our valuable customers in India.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm