Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveiled the Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw commercial vehicle on Thursday, also presenting a new conversion facility at its manufacturing plant and headquarters in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
With a returning nameplate, this “Tamaraw” is based on Toyota’s new International Multi-purpose Vehicle 0 (IMV 0) platform for the Asian market.
According to TMP chairman Alfred V. Ty, such a move to localize the 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.
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.
The 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.
3rd Santa Rosa model
“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,” Ty said 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 project to P5.5 billion, combined with earlier investments in vehicle production, and in-house and outsourced parts localizations.
The newly-constructed facility can convert the vehicle into three Tamaraw body styles — drop side, 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.