Toyota launches Avanza model for taxi fleet, SMEs

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) launched yesterday the Avanza sedan model, which it will primarily position to cater to the commercial taxi market and small business entrepreneurs.

TMPC vice president for marketing Danny Isla said the introductory price of the Avanza starts at P582,000 for the 1.3-liter manual transmission and P773,000 for the 1.5-liter automatic transmission. The new unit can accommodate up to seven passengers.

However, for commercial fleet purchases, Isla said TMPC plans to give a substantial discount specifically for the five-seater configuration and white-colored units.

Isla said TMPC has already received inquiries from several taxi operators such as R&E. The Avanza, can also be modified to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fuel.

He said initial sales for the Avanza is expected at around 800 to 900 units a month for the first six to seven months, eventually tapering off to 500 units a month.

TMPC for the past two to three years has not had any vehicle specifically targeted for the commercial taxi market. Its last model for the commercial taxi market was the Corolla XL.

Even the now discontinued Revo model was not originally intended for the commercial vehicle market but became an unexpected success, spawning the hybrid commuter taxi/jeep/FX service.

By offering the Avanza for commercial taxi operations, Isla said TMPC hopes to preserve the status of its Vios and Altis models, which some entrepreneurs are trying to convert for taxi operations.

TMPC has been discouraging the conversion of its Altis and Vios models into taxis by voiding their warranties if the vehicles are converted into commercial taxicabs.

The company is also discouraging the use of the Innova model as a commercial vehicle.

The Avanza, which will be imported from Indonesia, is a smaller version of the Innova.