MASA MOVEMENT

In a ceremonial handover event held last week at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation formally introduced Masando Hashimoto as the company's new president.

At 46 years old, Hashimoto or #Masa, as he would like to be called, becomes the youngest president in the history of TMP.

In the tradition of what his predecessors have started, #Masa also posted his welcome message on social media, to quote:

"Kumusta ka? I am Masando Hashimoto, but you can call me #Masa. I am truly honored to be appointed as the new president of Toyota Motor Philippines."

"I used to only hear about the greatness of living and working in Manila. Now, I see it first-hand and feel the overwhelming warm accommodation and hospitality of Filipinos."

"I may be a familiar face to some as I first joined Toyota Motor Philippines as the senior vice president of marketing in January last year, but allow me to briefly introduce myself."

"I started my journey in the manufacturing industry in the year 2000 and joined Toyota Motor Corporation in 2007. For 24 years, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hone my knowledge and skills in various areas, including global sales and business planning, Asia distribution, and human resource management."

"I am humbled to join an already outstanding team and am thrilled to continue my own mobility journey in the Philippines. I look forward to learning more from everyone and exert my best effort to keep Toyota as the most-loved mobility brand in the Philippines."

"To all our customers, SALAMAT PO for making us Number One in your hearts."

"Gusto ko happy lahat sa Toyota. Kita-kits tayo!"

Masa's predecessor, Atsuhiro Okamoto, first assumed the position in 2020. Okamoto goes back to Japan to take on a regional sales role but would be leaving TMP as still the most dominant automotive brand for 22 consecutive years.

Last year, TMP set a new record when it sold a total of 200,031 vehicles (including the Lexus brand), which is nearly half of what the industry sold (46.53 percent).