MUNCIE - Jeff Daniels, General Manager and Partner of Toyota of Muncie, hosted the community at the groundbreaking ceremony held at the dealership''s new site located at the northwest corner of West McGalliard Road (SR-332) and Nebo Road, next to Damons Grill and Menards. Located on about 5 acres, the 27,623 square-foot dealership will be the home to Toyota cars and trucks, plus Toyota''s Scion brand, the unique vehicle line developed for a youthful demographic segment.

"When the new facility opens in December, Toyota / Scion of Muncie will be one of the largest Toyota dealerships in the state and will incorporate Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.''s new building design which expresses the company''s values of quality, dependability and reliability, while providing customers with an enjoyable dealer experience," commented Daniels. He added. "We have really enjoyed our presence near the Muncie Mall, but limitations for expansion necessitated the move to West McGalliard and Nebo. This new facility will give us the opportunity to meet the growth that Toyota and Scion expect from this expanding regional market, and fits well with Toyota''s increasing presence as a leading automobile and truck manufacturer in Indiana. But more importantly, we will build a premier facility that is tailored to better serve past, current and future clients."

Over 100 people attended the ceremony. In addition to Jeff Daniels, participants in the groundbreaking included: Steve Gates, Dealer Principal of Muncie / Scion of Muncie; Paul Holdridge, General Manager of the Chicago Region of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.; Dan Canan, Mayor of Muncie; Dan Allen, President, Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce; and Terry Murphy, Vice President, Muncie - Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Many other area government officials, owners of neighboring businesses and community leaders attended the event, including Dr. Jo Ann Gora, President of Ball State University; and E. Roy Budd, Executive Director of Energize-ECI. On display at the new site were examples of four of the Toyota vehicle models assembled in Indiana, including the Camry sedan, Sequoia SUV, Sienna mini-van and Tundra pickup truck.

The new 27,623 square-foot Toyota / Scion of Muncie dealership will feature twelve service bays, two detail bays, a car wash and a retail parts center carrying all types of parts, do-it-yourself products and vehicle accessories. The facility will provide parking for over 280 vehicles. The spacious showroom is designed to focus on Toyota''s diverse product line of cars, trucks and hybrid-technology vehicles, plus the unique Scion product line. Customers visiting the dealership can utilize computer kiosks offering free wireless internet, a children''s play area, coffee bar, fireplace and a large flat-screen TV in the customer lounge. The facility will serve the automotive needs of Delaware, Grant, Blackford, Jay, Randolph and Henry counties.

The current dealership in Muncie, 612 E. McGalliard Road, will remain open to serve customers through the construction of the new facility. Toyota of Muncie''s sales and showroom hours are 9:00 AM until 8:00 Monday through Saturday. Service center hours are 7:30 AM until 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 8:00 AM until noon. For more information, contact Toyota of Muncie - phone (765) 289.0201. The company website is www.toyotamuncie.com.