Toyota Motor PH to donate five Tamaraw units to PH government

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) plans for the local automotive industry are far from secret. The Japanese automaker recently presented the next-generation Tamaraw and the hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross H₂ Concept to Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during a courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace.

TMP showcased the two vehicles to the country’s chief executive in the presence of the company’s top officials, as well as those from Toyota Motor Asia.

TMP invested Php 5.5-billion for the production of the next-generation Tamaraw at the company’s manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. This investment encompasses vehicle production, parts localization, and the establishment of a new in-house vehicle conversion capability.

Revealed last year, and continuously showcased in various events, including the recently concluded 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS), the Tamaraw nameplate returns to the country as a light commercial vehicle with various configuration options that will allow it to meet the requirements of different kinds of users.

It was also announced that TMP will be donating a total of five units of the new Tamaraw, which will be converted and turned over to the government next year. These will be configured as ambulances which will be used to support various mobility needs of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’s “Lab for All” health program.

TMP also showcased to the president their commitment to carbon neutrality from the recent local introduction of their Beyond Zero movement. The president was able to see and feel the Toyota Corolla Cross H₂ Concept, a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engined version of the fairly popular crossover, and developed by Toyota Gazoo Racing in Japan.

“For Toyota’s point of view, we would like to provide the most suitable vehicle technology for the country’s specific energy strategy. Matching multi-pathways with energy, Toyota has many powertrains available and currently being developed,” said Toyota Asia Region Chief Executive Officer Masahiko Maeda.