Toyota urges suppliers to ramp up prod’n ahead of new Vios launch

MANILA, Philippines - Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) president Satoru Suzuki is urging auto parts suppliers to ramp up their operations as the country’s largest automotive player prepares for the local production of its all-new Vios model next year.

Suzuki encouraged suppliers to go “the extra mile” to meet the requirements under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program by improving their cost competitiveness.

He also urged them to explore the possibility of developing partnerships with foreign companies to further develop their capabilities.

“This is not just for the success of the Vios, but also for the growth of your business in terms of localization expansion,” Suzuki said.

TMP has enrolled its best-selling vehicle—the Vios—as the participant model in the government’s CARS program.

Total local parts for the all new Vios will increase 16 percent, or a total of 317 part numbers, in collaboration with 30 auto parts makers.

Among these are mandatory parts committed under the CARS program, including the body shell and large plastic parts to be produced by local suppliers, and some to be produced by TMP at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Having committed to produce 230,000 units throughout its entire model life, Suzuki said these targets will be met through the full support and cooperation of the suppliers.

For the CARS program, TMP is making an initial investment of P3.22 billion starting this year.

The implementation of the CARS program is expected to open a lot of opportunities for the growth and development of both the vehicle and parts manufacturing industries in the country.