Balance between manufacturing and importing

Market leader Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) remains committed to advancing the local automotive manufacturing sector while introducing sustainable mobility solutions that support the nation’s economic growth.

Over the weekend, TMP officials presented to President Marcos Jr. in Malacanang two of its latest mobility solutions, the upcoming Philippine-made next generation Tamaraw and a hydrogen-powered concept vehicle.

TMP said in a statement yesterday it grooms the Tamaraw as the next “national car” by catering to specialized conversion needs of various micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals.

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TMP produces 60,000 vehicles per year in its facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna, of which 40,000 are Vios and the rest are Innova.

TMP has invested P5.5 billion for the assembly of the next-generation of Tamaraw, the first units of which will roll off next month.

Masando Hashimoto, TMP president, told reporters in an interview last week Toyota is poised to sell more than 200,000 units, a little less than half of the 500,000 units projected to be sold this year by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.

Of the 200,000 units, 60,000 are locally assembled and the bulk of 70 percent will imported.

“Toyota is importing a lot of cars. Simultaneously, we are producing locally. So it’s a combination,” Hashimoto said.

He added Toyota, as an automotive brand “want(s) to optimize (and achieve the) best balance between imports and local production. For this point, we need clear support from the government both for local and imports.”

At present, TMP is getting tariff support for the importation of its hybrid vehicles and incentives for local production through its participation in the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy.

TMP said its investment in the next generation Tamaraw, also known regionally as the Toyota Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle 0 (Zero), encompasses vehicle production, parts localization, and the establishment of a new in-house vehicle conversion capability.

This further solidifies TMP’s contributions to sustaining the viability of automotive and parts manufacturing industries in the country and furthermore enabling Mobility for All through the easily convertible, Tamaraw.

During the courtesy call of Toyota Motor Asia and TMP’s top officials at the Palace, TMP displayed prototype conversion units of the Tamaraw, demonstrating its versatility and adaptability to the needs of Filipinos

Marcos in the same event received a letter of intent from TMP for its planned donation of five Tamaraw units, which will be converted and turned over to the government in 2025. These include five ambulances which will be used to support various mobility needs through the “Lab For All” health program.

 TMP also used the occasion to present the Corolla Cross H2 Concept developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing in Japan. This hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicle utilized hydrogen gas supplied by a local producer and filled through a hydrogen refueling station exclusively imported from an end-use application provider in Malaysia.

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