Toyota rolls out next-gen Tamaraw

MANILA, Philippines — The country’s leading automotive player is banking on the next generation Tamaraw to be among its top-selling vehicles as it aims to sell at least 1,500 units of the comeback model permonth.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) chairman Alfred Ty told reporters during the ceremonial rolloff for the next generation Tamaraw yesterday, the company expects the model to be “the top three (best-)selling (vehicle) in the total line-up.”

TMP president Masando Hashimoto told reporters the company’s target is to achieve monthly sales of around 1,500 units to 1,800 units of the next generation Tamaraw.

The Tamaraw, which was discontinued to give way to the Toyota Innova in 2005, is returning to the Philippine market and will be launched on Dec.6.

Ty said the Tamaraw is the third vehicle model being produced at TMP’s plant in Santa Rosa in Laguna.

He said TMP has invested P5.5 billion for the production of the Tamaraw to produce about 20,000 units annually.

The investment includes P1.1 billion for a newly constructed facility that can convert the vehicle into three Tamaraw body styles - dropside, utility van and aluminum van - with gas and diesel engine options.

Ty said the Tamaraw is the ultimate vehicle for micro, small, medium enterprises that make up 99 percent of businesses in the country.”

“We are committed to making this Toyotatehicle as accessible and affordable to Filipinos with a target starting price of below P800,000 for a short wheelbase, truck-size, gas-type vehicle,” he said.

Through the vehicle, he said TMP aims to empower businesses and individuals to achieve their goals and actively contribute to the nation’s progress.

Hashimoto said that while the Tamaraw will be sold in the local market, the TMP is studying exporting the vehicle to other markets.

After next week’s launch, TMP will start retail sales of the Tamaraw in January next year.