It was only last June that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) invited the motoring media to express its appreciation for all the informative print and broadcast articles and features enlightening the public about the developments in the local auto industry especially about TMP during the first half of the year.
After only two months another gathering of motoring journalists was again arranged in one of the newest swinging bars in the metro this time to express TMP’s appreciation for all the media support for Toyota for the past 26 years as it celebrates this month of August that long length of time of its fruitful and meaningful existence in the country.
In his welcoming remarks Mr. Michinobu Sugata, TMPs “rocking and swinging” president, the closest ever to the local motoring media who always joins the journalists in “calling it a night” in almost every TMP event after jamming with whatever band is playing, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the long years of support that TMP has been enjoying.
Toyota’s well-liked Japanese expat who speaks very fluent English, took the opportunity in his well-applauded speech to mention the litany of record feats that TMP has achieve since the start of this year. Starting with the record four-model launches all made only in the first quarter—the all-new Corolla Altis, the new Innova, the new model Wigo and the all-new Yaris.
Sugata-san also proudly made mention of the sales level breaches that TMP has achieved starting in March with 8,000 units followed by 9,000 units sold in May and ultimately the record 10,000 units sales in June. With similar pride he also made mention of, “...the enviable record production levels of his TMP plant associates with the locally-assembled Vios and Innova that have reached 3,998 in a single month, while sacrificing their Saturdays and holidays just to be able to catch up with the production delays caused by Typhoon Glenda and the ensuing power black-out.”
Definitely also worthy of mention is the TMP-Tech or the TMP School of Technology, the world class school founded by the Toyota Foundation in partnership with Japan’s Toyota Corporation that’s aimed to be the school of choice and fulfill its mission in making the Philippines a human resource development hub and help uplift the quality of life for many Filipinos. It has dramatically increased its number of students and has forged significant partnerships that would allow easier employment for its graduates in Australia and Saudi Arabia, aside possibly also in Japan.
And last but certainly not the least is the mention of TMP’s unprecedented success in reviving in the country circuit racing in particular and motor sports in general by way of the Vios Cup.
While the last three successful racing events staged since last year starting with a celebrity race followed by two highly competitive legs, which were all held in Clark, the amiable TMP president announced that they are bringing racing closer to the country’s countless motor sports enthusiasts by having this year’s championship leg in McKinley Hills in Taguig—presently that’s as close that it can get.
Congratulations to Toyota Philippines on its 26th year of its significant existence in the Philippines.
Follow up to success
Right after a smashingly successful cross-country demonstration of its off-road capabilities and prowess, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) once again placed on center stage the Isuzu D-Max with the recent launch of its X Series.
Thru the years the D-Max has been touted to have earned the distinction of being a vehicle that suits the city life but which can also be a capable weekend getaway ride and with the launch of the X Series IPC feels that such claim to fame may have been further established.
Available for the Isuzu D-Max LS 4x2 either with manual or automatic transmission, some of the X Series’ outstanding features include; cargo spoiler that extends to the roof, racing-style decal that runs on its hood and tailgate, red Isuzu emblem, aero skirts under front and rear bumpers, 17” gun metallic finish alloy wheels, side steps to make access to cabin easier, cargo bedliner that can secure sports equipment like bikes, wakeboards, etc., 3-leter diesel with intercooler and turbocharger and other distinctive features that sets it apart from the rest in its category.
IPC affable president Mr. Nobuo Izumina in his welcome remarks said, “This pick up is not only hardworking, dependable and fuel efficient, it is also the “go to” vehicle of our younger generation, a trendy pick up that will show their personality and one that they can rely on through good roads and bad.”
For his part, IPC senior vice president for marketing, Mr. Art Balmadrid in his own remarks gave a hint of things to expect, activity-wise with the X Series, “With the launch of the D-Max X Series, I am confident that there will be more activities that we will challenge and conquer together. After all the D-Max X Series is the perfect recreational outdoor companion.”
Watch out for announcements as to where you can see up close this trendy pick up as they ate displayed in high-profile establishments aside of course from the nationwide dealership network of Isuzu Philippines Corporation.
Honda Brio’s Media sneak preview
A select group of motoring journalists were given by Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) a “hands-on, sneak peek” of the about to be launched Honda Brio Hatchback and the Honda Brio Amaze sedan.
After an early breakfast in Bonifacio Global City a convoy of a mix of several Honda models composed of City, Jazz and CR-V brought the motoring media to Tagaytay Highlands for the Brio Hatchback’s and Brio Amaze’s comparative ride alongside two competing models of the same category.
Common reports from the journalists who joined the hands-on “head-to-head” comparison indicate that the two variants of Honda’s most affordable sub-compact performed admirably better in power output and handling.
HCPI’s president and general manager, Mr. Toshio Kuwahara, who despite a very tight schedule made sure that he can still manage to join the media group for dinner announced that the Honda Brio will have it official public unveiling during the CAMPI organized Philippine International Motor Show scheduled in September.
Kuwa-san said in his remarks to end the media preview event, “Our aim is to be able to cater to a wider customer base. We want each customer who walks in our dealership to find a Honda vehicle that matches their needs and wants with the budget they have.”
Formidable guest line up
Auto Focus, the weekly news and features TV magazine exclusive to the automobile and its industry (Thursdays, 10pm, Sky Cable Channel 13), which has its online counterpart, www.autofocus.com.ph has been spotlighting top local auto industry executives on its Q&A segment and has quite a future roaster of guests lined up starting this Thursday that would include Congressman Irwin Tieng of Buhay Party List to discuss the very timely legislation that he is co-authoring in Congress that aims to give incentives to those who would manufacture, import or use E-Vehicles or electric vehicles or those that would utilized alternative fuels. Also lined up is the president and COO of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) importers and distributors of Hyundai vehicles and current president of AVID, the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Ms. Fe Agudo and the managing director and president of The Covenant Car Company, importers and distributors of Chevrolet vehicles, Atty. Albert Arcilla, both of whom will discuss current issues and developments in the automotive industry.
And by the way, if you missed any of the past episodes of the TV show Auto Focus, like the highlights of the 1st leg of the STV-ARCC (STV Auto Rally Corporate Challenge), which was recently staged in Tagaytay City, all you have to do is log on to Auto Focus ONLINE. This and other past episodes are all archived on the country’s first “all video” online auto magazine.
Happy Motoring!!!
For comments (email) motoringtoday-star@stv.com.ph / sunshine.television@yahoo.com.