Earth Day Network announced Apr. 17 that Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., has donated a celebrity-supported Toyota Prius to be auctioned on eBay Motors. Proceeds from the auction will be given to Earth Day Network to support its global campaigns, according to Toyota.

"Toyota’s generous donation underscores its growing commitment to creating affordable alternatives to gasoline-fueled vehicles and supporting reduction of greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming," said Kathleen Rogers, president of Earth Day Network. "The auction will provide a valuable source of funds to support our global grassroots organization," she added.

"It's with great conviction that we team with Earth Day Network in support of environmental stewardship," said Steve Sturm, vice president of marketing, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. "Earth Day Network's passion strengthens Toyota's resolve to develop alternate fuel vehicles."

Named the Official Car of Earth Day Network, Toyota says its Prius is the world’s first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid sedan. With its gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine and a clean electric motor, the Toyota Prius is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), making the Prius nearly 75-percent cleaner than the standard for Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV), according to Toyota. Visitors to eBay can bid on the Prius, April 17-27 by visiting www.ebaymotors.com. Autographed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Bacon, Kyra Sedgwick, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Peter Max and Kim Williams, the Prius features a special celebrity-supported plaque displayed in the car. Donations to the Earth Day Network will be accepted through www.earthday.org. Detailed information regarding the technology behind the Toyota Prius is available at www.toyota.com. Additionally, Earth Day Network and Toyota will partner for an Earth Day celebration at New York City’s Grand Central Terminal where a Toyota Prius will be on display. About Earth Day Network:

Earth Day Network, comprising more than 5,000 organizations in 184 countries, and more than 90,000 educators in the United States, says it serves as the hub for worldwide Earth Day organizing. Earth Day Network claims to promote a peaceful, just, sustainable world through education, community empowerment, capacity-building, campaigns, events, and publications. Earth Day Network’s theme for Earth Day 2002 is Protect Our Home. About Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., INC.:

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) is the sales, marketing, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota in the U.S. and is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. Toyota Motor Corporation and its manufacturing subsidiaries say they produced more than 5.8 million vehicles worldwide in calendar year 2000. Toyota vehicles are manufactured in 25 countries. Toyota is the world’s third-largest vehicle manufacturer and the fourth-largest automaker in North America, according to the company. About eBay Motors:

eBay Motors (www.ebaymotors.com), a part of eBay Inc., The World's Online Marketplace, is an Internet marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and auto memorabilia.