Toyota Philippines to Market Prius This Year

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) said there would be no additional expansions this year instead the country’s biggest car company will be launching its eco-friendly Prius model, work on some initiatives to stop other car companies from further eating into its market share and new financing schemes for its volume models.

Saying they are technically ready, TMPC president Hiroshi Ito said they are launching Prius in the local market by middle of this year. Read more

Toyota to Bring Hybrid Cars to the Philippines

The Philippines needs it.

Akira Okabe, senior managing director of Toyota Motor Corp., affirmed the giant car manufacturer’s commitment to bring energy-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles to the Philippines.

While Okabe would not reveal the timetable for the Philippine introduction of Toyota’s hybrids – including the Toyota Prius and the high-end Lexus hybrids – he said developing countries like the Philippines need hybrid vehicles that will meet the country’s growing transport needs as well as environmental demands such as lower carbon dioxide emissions. Read more

New-Generation Cars Debut at 2nd PIMS

AFTER the rain of confetti had settled and the smoke had cleared, the motoring public was treated to a slew of new auto models that made their Philippine debut at the 2nd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) ongoing at the World Trade Center in Pasay City until August 24.

On opening day last Aug. 21, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo walked the main exhibit hall accompanied by the country chief executives of the 15 participating global auto brands, inspecting first-hand the fresh car models soon to hit Manila’s streets, and a number of concept vehicles straight from the future.

This year’s motor show featured some of the glitziest vehicle unveilings as member companies of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) pulled all the stops in elaborate presentations to launch their latest offerings. Read more