TOYOTA will continue to assemble the new Toyota Vios in the Philippines to meet its commitment to the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.
To do so it may negotiate with government to reconsider the targets of the program based on the decline of the auto industry due to the pandemic.
The new Vios is at the forefront of Toyota Motor Philippines, Inc.’s (TMP) drive to lead the resurgence of the local auto industry by responding to the Filipinos’ need for quality, efficient, and safe mode of transportation.
In the virtual launch of the country’s best selling sedan, TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said that he was ready to discuss with government and industry partners how to help accelerate the recovery of the automotive sector.
“You can count on TMP to stay true to our promise of making the world’s best Vios, and in the process, helping the economy, and providing livelihood to thousands of Filipino families” Okamoto added during his virtual media press conference and launch.
First introduced in 2002, about 320,000 units of the Vios have been produced in TMP’s Santa Rosa, Laguna manufacturing plant. Three generations and over 10 upgrades of the model were introduced. In 2019, the Vios ended the year with a 38.6 percent market share in its segment. This makes the car one of the longest-lasting, and best-selling passenger car assembled in the country.
“Under the CARS Program of the government, the Vios is our flagship. It helps support almost 55,000 lives throughout the Toyota network, 71 dealers, 56 local suppliers and, countless other business and trade partners.” TMP Chairman Alfred Ty expressed in a statement.
“Our Toyota Vios is a symbol of the best of Japanese technology and Filipino craftsmanship. In my mind, our Vios has become the national car of the Philippines. ‘Atin ito. Gawa ng Filipino para sa Filipino.’ Proudly made in the Philippines, by Filipinos, for Filipinos.” he concluded.
