I am very pleased to say that in 2024, for the first time ever, (innovative international multi-purpose vehicles) such as this, the next-generation Tamaraw, will be produced as (completely built units) right here in the Philippines at our Santa Rosa plan
Akio Toyoda, Chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation
After more than three decades in the Philippines, the local unit of automotive giant Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) commemorated its 35th anniversary, celebrating milestones, and announcing the expansion of its local assembly line which will mark the return of one of its iconic vehicle models from the nineties.
One of the highlights of the month-long celebration was the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inside the Toyota Special Economic Zone in Laguna province, home to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) production facility which produces the Toyota Vios and the Toyota Innova units.
“To date, TMP and the Toyota Group have cumulatively invested P73.7 billion since 2000, paid duties and taxes of P448 billion, and exported $18.76 billion-worth of auto parts and components since 1997,” TMP chairman Alfred V. Ty said.
“With more conducive government policies, Toyota Aisin Philippines and other local part-makers can expand and do so much more in our country to help generate more jobs for Filipinos,” added the Toyota executive.
Toyota also donated 35 Toyota vehicle units in lieu of their anniversary, turning it over during the presidential visit in a goodwill gesture to show their appreciation for years of government support.
The return of the Tamaraw
On the same day, TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda revealed during the anniversary dinner at Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City that they will be bringing back the Tamaraw and will begin producing its next generation iteration locally.
“I am very pleased to say that in 2024, for the first time ever, (innovative international multi-purpose vehicles) such as this, the next-generation Tamaraw, will be produced as (completely built units) right here in the Philippines at our Santa Rosa plant,” Toyoda said, adding that they will be investing P4.4 billion for this undertaking.
Two units showcasing the look and feel of the concept design for the new Tamaraw were shown during the event, providing a glimpse of what its modern-day version could look like.
Toyota Motor Philippines First Vice President Rommel R. Gutierrez told reporters on the sidelines of the event that production could begin by the middle or the third quarter of 2024, the same time when they will also make it available for purchase in local dealerships.
Guiterrez held off on giving answers when asked about what the price range will be for the next-generation Tamaraw, only saying that it will be affordable for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that they want the new Tamaraw model to also become the top choice again for public utility vehicles (PUVs), highlighting that it is perfect to be used as an ambulance, a patrol car or even as a taxi.
More EVs in the horizon
Gutierrez said that there are also plans to produce an electric vehicle (EV) variant of the planned Tamaraw model sometime in the future, in line with the company’s plan towards sustainability by expanding their lineup of these more environment-friendly vehicles.
“From a practical viewpoint, (I think) we should keep as many options as possible so we can seamlessly pursue our goal of sustainable mobility,” Ty said during the same event.
He added that the company will make sure that the transition to pure electric vehicles will preserve jobs in their local factory while assuring product quality for consumers.
“Electrification is the way to the future. I am encouraged by the moves of the government to enable a more rapid pace of adoption,” he added.
Earlier this month, TMP unveiled the hybrid electric vehicle Yaris Cross – a five-seater subcompact crossover SUV – and made them available for public test drive, customer inquiries, and reservations.
