Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) recently showcased its upcoming Next Generation Tamaraw and a hydrogen-powered concept vehicle to Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace. This event underscored TMP’s commitment to fostering the local automotive manufacturing industry, promoting sustainable mobility solutions, and contributing to economic growth.
President Marcos expressed gratitude for Toyota’s ongoing investments in the Philippines, particularly the recent PHP 5.5 billion investment aimed at producing the Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw, also known regionally as the Toyota Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) 0 (Zero). This investment includes vehicle production, parts localization, and the establishment of new in-house vehicle conversion capabilities, which further solidify TMP’s role in sustaining the automotive and parts manufacturing industries in the country while enabling “Mobility for All” through the easily convertible Tamaraw.
During the courtesy call with top officials from Toyota Motor Asia and TMP, the company showcased prototype conversion units of the Tamaraw, highlighting its versatility and adaptability to the needs of Filipinos. Returning as a light commercial vehicle, TMP aims to revitalize this iconic model into the next ‘national car’ by addressing the specialized conversion needs of various Philippine Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals.
At the same event, President Marcos received a letter of intent from TMP for the planned donation of five Tamaraw units, which will be converted and delivered to the government in 2025. This donation includes five ambulances to support various mobility needs through the “Lab For All” health program initiated by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
Reinforcing its global commitment to carbon neutrality, Toyota introduced its “Beyond Zero” movement to the government. This corporate initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s goals for a clean energy transition and a low-carbon economy, supporting key national policies related to the transportation sector, such as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) and the Philippine Energy Plan.
TMP also took the opportunity to present the Corolla Cross H2 Concept, developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) in Japan. This Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV) utilizes hydrogen gas sourced from a local producer and filled through a Hydrogen Refueling Station (HRS) imported from Malaysia.
Masahiko Maeda, CEO of Toyota Asia Region, stated, “From Toyota’s perspective, we aim to provide the most suitable vehicle technology for the country’s specific energy strategy. With our multi-pathway approach to energy, Toyota has a diverse range of powertrains available and in development.”
Recognizing the Philippines’ abundant resources, TMP emphasized the potential for diversifying energy resources to develop related industries that complement the decarbonization goals of various sectors, including transportation. With Toyota’s extensive lineup of xEV powertrain technologies, hydrogen represents a promising alternative energy source with the potential for zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Beyond its commitment to decarbonizing the entire vehicle life cycle—from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to distribution and recycling—TMP is also diversifying sustainable mobility through xEV usage services and exploring the advantages of data solutions and connected technology to enhance travel and logistics efficiency, ultimately leading to CO2 reduction.
