Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
19001 South Western Avenue
Torrance, CA  90501
(310) 468-4000

Within the past few months, Toyota has introduced two additional gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles.  These two new vehicles- the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid - join the Prius Hybrid for sale in North America.  The Lexus RX 400h hybrid is based on the conventional gasoline Toyota Highlander.  The exteriors of these new hybrids are nearly identical to their conventional gasoline only vehicles.

While some RX 400h and Highlander Hybrid features are similar to the Prius, emergency responders should recognize and understand the proper handling procedures for these two new hybrids.  To educate and assist emergency responders, Emergency Response Guides have been published and are available on our website.

The Emergency Response Guides include information on:

• Hybrid Identification
• Hybrid Synergy Drive Component Locations & Descriptions
• Hybrid Synergy Driver Operation
• Hybrid Vehicle (HV) Battery Pack & Auxiliary Battery
• High Voltage Safety
• SRS Airbags & Seat Belt Pretensioners
• Emergency Response
• Roadside Assistance

To access the guides for viewing, downloading, or printing, please access the Toyota/Lexus Technical Information System website:

     1.  Access the http://techinfo.toyota.com website.
     2.  Access the EMERGENCY RESPONDER INFORMATION link.
     3.  Access the Emergency Response Guide for the desired vehicle.

To publicize the ERG availability, Toyota is notifying all State Fire Marshal's Offices in the United States and placing an advertisement in Firehouse magazine.  Please feel free to notify fire and emergency response personnel in your state.

Gary E. Smith
National Service Technology Manager
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Randy L. Cole,
Missouri State Fire Marshal

Randy.Cole@dfs.dps.mo.gov