Toyota Motor Philippines Corp (TMP) rolled off on Nov. 28 the proudly Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw commercial vehicle, unveiling a new conversion facility at its manufacturing plant and headquarters in Laguna.
With a returning nameplate, the Tamaraw is based on Toyota’s new International Multi-purpose Vehicle 0 (IMV 0) platform for the Asian market. Such a move to localize this model underscores the company’s support to the Philippine government in strengthening the economy, revitalizing local automotive manufacturing, and adding new value by reaching new sectors.
Shown at the ceremonial toast as TMP marks the Next Generation Tamaraw’s start of production in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, are (from left) Embassy of Japan in the Philippines Economic Minister Daisuke Nihei, TMP vice chair David Go, Hao Quoc Tien, Ty, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso Panga, TMP president Masando Hashimoto, Santa Rosa City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, Department of Transportation Undersecretary Jesus Ferdinand Ortega, Toyota Motor Corp chief engineer Satoki Oya, and TMP executive vice president for manufacturing Yasuhiro Kutsuki
TMP’s Santa Rosa plant, with a capacity exceeding 54,800 units annually, now produces three completely knocked-down (CKD) models: The Vios, Innova, and Next Generation Tamaraw. This expansion aims to bolster local capabilities and regional competitiveness, drive technology transfer, and sustain employment.
With a robust and versatile design primarily for commercial use, TMP also aims to provide an inclusive mobility solution for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across various industries nationwide.
“It is the third locally produced model here in our Santa Rosa Plant, built by Filipinos, for Filipinos. It is a testament to our commitment to nation building, our belief in Filipino craftsmanship, and our continuing mission to create ever-better cars for the Philippines,” said TMP chair Alfred V. Ty in his welcome address.
In an exclusive plant tour for the event guests, TMP also showcased its new 1.5-hectare TMP Conversion Factory, built with a P1.1-billion investment. This brings the total investment in the IMV 0 project to P5.5 billion, combining with earlier investments in vehicle production, in-house and outsourced parts localizations.
The newly constructed facility can convert the vehicle into three Tamaraw body styles—dropside, utility van, and aluminum van—with gas and diesel engine options. It also features advanced technology to ensure safety, quality, cost efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
Toyota Asia Region deputy chief executive officer Hao Quoc Tien noted that the TMP Conversion Factory is a capability breakthrough, being the first of its kind in the Southeast Asian region.
For its upstream economic impact, the local production of the Next Generation Tamaraw also boosts TMP’s supply chain. Toyota suppliers—including new parts-makers and returning previous-generation Tamaraw body builders—have drawn investment plans amounting to P500 million, covering plant set-up, expansion, and procurement of equipment.
It’s raining champagne as TMP marks Next Generation Tamaraw’s start of production with a roll-off ceremony in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. Shown are (from left, back to front) Hao Quoc Tien, Go, Ty, (from right, top to bottom) Nihei, and Panga
The Next Generation Tamaraw roll-off ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from the Toyota network, government, industry, and media. The grand product launch to the Philippine market is scheduled this Dec. 6 while retail sales will commence by January 2025.