To explain this oxymoron – yes, another model has again been added to the Prius family… and this time it’s a smaller sibling: a compact hybrid called the Prius C.

The Prius C was first revealed as a concept car in the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and as early as then, Toyota had already announced their plans to mass produce the compact concept in the early part of 2012. True to their word, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently unveiled this much-awaited new hybrid to the Philippine motoring press last Friday, during a thanksgiving party at the Hotel Sofitel, celebrating the company’s 10th triple crown feat. TMP president Michinobu Sugata was more than happy to share the exciting news.

The new Prius C showcases Toyota’s “eco-fun” design concept, presenting a compact body with active proportions. This hatchback is about 19 inches shorter than the standard 3rd generation Prius; is two inches narrower, almost two inches lower, and slightly more than 500 pounds lighter. It is in fact, rather reminiscent of the Toyota Yaris.

The C stands for: Compact, Clean, Clever and City. Needless to say, it is equipped with the same HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) technology that Toyota has innovated to produce excellent drive-ability and unparalleled fuel economy. Admittedly, the Toyota Prius line has always been one of my all-time favorite cars.

This new compact is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder 1NZ-FXE VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine that is Euro-5 compliant. It uses an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system to enhance engine efficiency, and also an electric power pump. The car has an aerodynamic front splitter, and even ridges on its hood (for the wind to flow through) – bringing its drag coefficient to an impressive 0.28. And as in all new Prius models, the driver can select among the Normal, Eco and EV (electric vehicle) drive modes, based on his driving preference.

Just like the standard Prius models before it, the Prius C does not need to be plugged-in to an electric source to be recharged – it uses a regenerative braking system that allows the battery to charge as you drive. It uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which is now located underneath the rear seats, together with the gas tank, each in their own steel casing. (As opposed to the standard Prius that has its battery pack under the rear deck). Cooling vents are also seen under the seats, to make sure that the heat is released.

Apparently, moving the battery and gas tank below the rear seats also had another advantage: It lowered the car’s center of gravity – making this gas-sipper even more fun to drive.

On the inside, the dash has an angular design; the instrument panel is still centrally located and high-mounted; although I think the most noticeable change is how the Prius-signature floppy toggle is now back to a conventional gear selector on the center console.

Other standard features inside the car include automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color information display, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capability, an iPod interface, USB connectivity and remote keyless entry.

This compact hybrid will be primarily available in the following colors: Lime White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Extreme Black and Super Red. Also available through firm order, are the colors: Blue Metallic, Freedom White, Aqua Mica Metallic, and Mandarin Orange Mica Metallic

The Prius C may come in any one of four options: Prius C Full Option (White Pearl) priced at P1,540,000, Prius C Full Option priced at P1,525,000, Prius C Standard (White Pearl) priced at P1,490,000 and Prius C Standard at P1,475,000.

For more information you may visit any one of Toyota’s 30 dealerships nationwide, or log on to the Toyota website: www.toyota.com.ph.

By Angel Rivero, The Philippine Star.  Photo by The Philippine Star

Tsikot.com Philippines

The Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) has done it again.

For the 10th straight year, TMPC achieved another triple crown, cementing the company’s position as the number 1 car brand in the country in terms of sales.

The triple crown is awarded to the auto company that leads the passenger car (PC) segment, the commercial vehicle (CV) segment, as well as overall sales.

For 2012, the Toyota Vios was the top selling passenger car in the country while the Toyota Innova was the top selling commercial vehicle.

Overall, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation sold 54,593 vehicles in 2011, amounting to a 38.55% market share.

The company achieved the feat despite a decline in total sales of 4 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippine Corp. wound up in second spot with sales reaching 32,603 units during the same period for a 23.02 market share.

Overall, the car industry did not fare well in 2011, with total sales going down by four percent.

In a report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, a total of 141,616 cars were in a 12-month period. This was way below the record 147,488 total set in 2010.

Sales in all types of vehicles posted declines, something which players in the industry attributed to the disruptions in the supply of car units and parts brought about by the calamities that hit Japan and Thailand.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., which belongs to the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), kept third spot with 20,297 units sold.

Ford Group Philippines, which claims to be the fastest growing company in terms of sales in the Philippines, overtook Honda Cars Philippines for the fourth spot. Ford and Mazda collectively sold 12,196 units, 32.5 percent better than its sales in 2010.

Honda, still reeling from the impact of the disasters in Japan and Thailand, closed 2011 with only 11,611 sold, 30.1 percent lower than the number of cars sold in 2010.

Journal Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

The 2012 Avanza was unveiled by Toyota Motor Philippines recently, presenting a redesigned style and many improved features that will boost the multi-purpose vehicle’s (MPV) popularity in a market that has accepted it well since it was introduced in 2006. More than 29,000 units of the Avanza have been sold nationwide.

At first glance, the Avanza presents a bolder road presence with its V-shaped aerodynamic design. The front grille and engine bonnet have been built with a three-dimensional design to project a sense of forward thrust that expresses a stronger attitude.

The vehicle seating capacity makes room for up to seven passengers due to its wider cabin. The backseats give ample leg room for comfort.

Boasting its class-top fuel economy, the overall weight of its body has been reduced in order for the Avanza to have increased fuel efficiency of up to 12km/L.

The Avanza is available in six colors: Silver Metallic, Dark Steel Mica, Champagne Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Gray Metallic and White.

It comes with five different variants: 1.5G A/T priced at P868, 000, 1.5G M/T at P828, 000, 1.3E A/T at P743, 000, 1.3E M/T at P703, 000 and 1.3J M/T at P620, 000.

By PINKY CONCHA COLMENARES, Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. held on to its position as the the country’s No. 1 automaker, despite selling fewer vehicles in 2011.

According to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines continued to lead sales, Toyota’s sales dropped 4% to 54,593 units in 2011 from 56,855 units in the year before, in line with industry’s decline.

Total vehicle sales in 2011 dipped a similar 4 percent to 141,616 units from 147,488 units in 2010, mainly due to supply problems brought about by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand later in the year.

The problems in Thailand continued to affect December sales, which saw a sharp 24.5% drop to only 10,374 units from 13,749 units in the same month a year ago. December sales were also off 14% from November’s 12,090.

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. remained at second place in 2011 with sales of 32,603 units, just slightly lower compared with the 34,422 units it sold in 2010.

The Ford Group Philippines jumped to third place after a 32% spike in sales to 12,916 units in 2011 from 9,751 units in 2010, while Honda Cars Philippines Inc. fell to fourth place after sales dropped 30% to 11,611 units from 16,604 units in 2010.

Rounding up the top five is Isuzu Philippines Corp., which saw an 8% slide in sales to 9,820 units from 10,695 the previous year.

Commercial vehicles accounted for a large 68 percent of 2011 sales with 96,754 units, just 2% lower than the 98,749 units sold in 2010.

Sales of passenger cars, on the other hand, had a bigger decline of 8% to 44,862 units in 2011 from 48,739 in 2010.

However, sales of passenger cars jumped 22.7% to 3,073 in December from the November’s 2,504, mainly due to aggressive sales promotions.

ABS-CBN.com

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For a car company that pays 30 per cent tariff on passenger vehicles but gets from the mother company subsidy in South Korea, Hyundai Asia Resources surprises competitors by slowly increasing its share of the market from 12 per cent when it started in 2001 to 20 per cent last year.

Maria Fe Perez-Agudo, who was in real estate before she joined Hyundai Asia Resources and rose steadily to become president and chief executive officer, admits that the firm does not make that much of a profit.

She told a press gathering that Hyundai has slowly risen to become the No. 3 largest auto company in the Philippines although it is the latest participant in the domestic market.

Hyundai is now the No. 3 carmaker in the world after Toyota and Ford of the United States.

Obviously, the company is able to subsidize the Philippine market since it makes so much from the worldwide operations, although Agudo said there are a few other countries which get price subsidy.

The strategy is to become No. 1 in the Philippines after the 30 percent tariff is completely hauled down to zero under the Asean-Korea free trade area.

The deceleration of tariff from 30 to 20 and zero by 2016 is a function of a trade agreement between the Philippines and South Korea, according to Agudo.

The company hardly uses domestic content in the 12 models used in the Philippines. It is basically a direct importer. Agudo estimates that only about 1 percent local content is used. The local parts are used in interiors.

Asked why it prefers to import in the face of a stiff tariff, Ms. Agudo explained that the Philippines, the automotive technology in the Philippines is still low by the standards of the mother company.

Importation also cuts costs as the company has a labor force of only 150. If it had engaged in assembly in the Philippines, payroll costs would have more than doubled.

The payroll savings may not be enough to cover the costs of subsidy and the amounts paid in tariff. In the long run, however, the company aims to be the tough and top automotive company in the Philippines without necessarily continuing the subsidy.

In the mind of Agudo, if Hyundai Asia can survive the 30 per cent tariff through subsidies, it can fight better if the tariff wall is hauled down to zero. The company will be in the same footing as the rest of the car makers in the Asean region.

Thereafter, the competition will be more intense. Agudo pointed out that the prices of Hyundai are competitive, in spite of the stiff tariff of 30 per cent. That could be a result of subsidy from the mother company.

The company is No. 1 in the one-liter market. There is a huge potential demand for the category coming from overseas workers and retiring Filipinos who come home to roost.

Hyundai is in intense competition in design for all the 12 models.

For example, she said, its Sonata, Hyundai’s top of the line in the Philippine market, is actively fighting with the Camry brand of Toyota. Both brands are in the 1.2 liter category. Hyundai’s Starex model is in direct competition with Toyota’s Hi-Ace.

Agudo sees temporary advantages over Toyota. She pointed out that the tsunami that devastated Japan and the floods that left Bangkok under water for a long time, will result in a shortage of supply.

On the other hand, South Korea has not been hit by a damaging natural any calamity. The preoccupation with improvement of technology is an additional advantage. Another is the proximity of the Philippines to South Korea. It takes three days to ship completely built-up units from South Korea to the Philippines. It takes a day or two longer to ship from Bangkok.

She does not find the other imported automobiles –Chevy of the United States, and Subaru of Japan, a threat. The two importers have a small share of two per cent each of the Philippine market.

According to Agudo, the market for cars could very well be flat next year. However, she sees an average growth of 15 per cent a year for five years probably as a result of what is seen as a final solution to the eurozone financial debacle.

Agudo pointed out that design is a key factor in fighting for a larger share of the domestic market. She said that the designs of the 12 models Hyundai sells in the Philippines are acceptable to the consumers as shown by increasing sales in spite of the 30 per cent tariff, tempered somewhat with subsidy.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. said Friday it is bullish in 2012 after production returned to normal a month earlier than expected.

“We have been operating under normal conditions and full capacity since end of November after slight production adjustment at the start of the same month,” Rommel Gutierrez, TMPC vice president for corporate affairs, told Manila Standard in a text message.

TMPC announced before the end of October the adjustment in production operations in November and December in the aftermath of the Thailand floods that affected parts supply for local assembly.

Gutierrez also cited a major recovery in the shipments of completely-built units from Thailand.

“For CBUs from Thailand, there has been a major recovery of short shipments which we expect to complete by end of December,” he said.

The imported CBUs from Thailand include the Hi-Lux, Camry, Corolla, and Yaris. Eight models, meanwhile, are imported from Japan—Lexus, Rav4, Prius, Previa, Prado, LC200, Hi-Ace and Alphard.

Other models like Fortuner, Altis and Avanza are imported from other Asean countries.

Because of the recovery and return to normal productions in December, the company expects better prospects next year.

TMPC earlier said it did not resort to reduced work days despite the adjustment in local production.

TMPC is locally producing Vios and Innova models in its Sta. Rosa, Laguna plant. The two models account for 50 percent of its total sales.

Apple Inc. and Toyota Motor Corp. in October faced the worst supply disruptions since the March earthquake that crippled Japan.

Toyota suspended production of its Camry and Prius vehicles in Thailand at the height of the Thailand flooding.

Manila Standard Today Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

The first 11 months of the year coming to an end was not kind for the Philippine auto industry.

A joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) revealed that car sales fell by 1.9 percent to 131,242 units in the January-November period.

That number was below the 133,739 units sold in the same period last year, a notable drop attributed to the flooding that hit Thailand a few months ago.

Even sales last month went down, with only 12,090 units sold. In the same month in 2010, a total of 13,489 was sold.

According to Campi, the drop in sales was due to market seasonality and the initial impact of the Thailand flooding, which limits the supply of auto parts and some vehicle models.

Passenger car sales fell by 5.6 percent to 41,789 units in the January-November period, from 44,252 units in the same period in 2010.

Commercial car sales, meantime, dipped by 0.04 percent to 89,457 units a year ago.

Not only that, sales of light trucks also went down by 0.7 percent to 1,708 units as of November from 1,720 units in 2010.

“With the supply situation in Japan moving toward normalization, the auto industry is bracing itself for the possible impact of another natural disaster being experienced in Thailand,” the Campi report said.

“Floods have inundated several vehicle and parts manufacturing plants in Thailand, resulting in the shutdown of their operations,” it added.

Meantime, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., as expected, stayed in top spot in total sales with sales in the first 11 months reaching 50,610 units for a 38.31 share of the market.

In second place was Mitsubishi Motors Philippines, which sold 30,175 units in the same period for a 21.94 percent market share.

Ford Motor Co. Philippines, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. and Isuzu Philippines Corp came in third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

Journal Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Total motor vehicle sales in the 11-month period this year declined 1.9 percent to 131,242 units in the same period last year largely pulled down by the significant decline in November sales as the flooding in the Thailand took its toll on the local supply, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said.

In a report, CAMPI said the Thai flooding has caused a significant 10.4 percent decline in sales in November as sales in both passenger and commercial vehicles slump to 12,090 units from 13,489 units the previous month. Compared to November last year, the November 2011 sales dropped 3.3 percent.

Of the total sales, the passenger car segment suffered the biggest loss of 5.6 percent as sales hit only a total of 41,789 units from 44,252 units in the same 11-month period last year. Sales of passenger cars in November took a beating with 34.1 percent decrease versus November 2010 sales. The same decline was posted versus October 1011 sales.

The commercial vehicle segment also slightly declined 0.04 percent to 89,453 units from 89,487 units.

“The decline can be attributed to the initial effects of the supply problem in Thailand, which limited the availability of some models in the domestic market,” the CAMPI statement stated. Most of the local carplayers import their completely built up units and parts supplies from Thailand, the region’s automotive hub.

Except for light commercial vehicles (LCVs or the compact sports utility vehicles) and trucks and buses, all other vehicle categories suffered a decline in the January-November 2011 reckoning period.

LCVs managed to post a very modest 0.1 percent improvement to 53,752 units over 53,672 units in the January-November period this year. The LCVs already account for a hefty 59.98 percent of the total domestic vehicle market.

Sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) declined 0.4 percent to 33,036 units from 33,180 units in the same 11 months last year. The LCVs account for 37.08 percent of the total domestic vehicle market. In November, however, LCV sales posted a hefty 21.7 percent increase to 5,741 units versus 4,718 units in November 2010 but it declined a negative 2 percent versus October 2011 sales.

The light trucks category posted a negative 0.7 percent in the January-November period as sales hit only 1,708 units from 1,720 units in the first 11 months of the year. This category also posted a 15.6 percent decrease compared to November 2010 sales of 160 units as November 2011 sales hit only 142 units.

Sales of trucks and buses registered a positive 4.7 percent increase to 958 units sold in the January-November period versus 915 units in the same period last year.

However, sales for this category in the November 2011 posted a sharp decline of 52.3 percent as the sector only sold 61 units versus 136 units in November 2011. It also posted a higher decline of 55.1 percent compared to October 2011 sales of 136 units.

In terms of ranking, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. posted a 1.2 percent cline in sales for the first 11 months this year with sales of 50,610 units over 51,232 units in the same period last year. For the November month alone, TMPC sold 5,294 units reflecting a 15.1 percent improvement versus the previous month sales performance of 5,896 units.

Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) vows to expand operations in the country in step with the directions set by its mother company, Toyota Motor Co. (TMC), to harness local production.

Rommel Gutierrez, vice president of TMP, said even before twin tragedy that struck Japan in March and the Thailand flooding last month, TMC had vowed to localize operations to meet the needs of the market, and strengthen operations in plants where they operate.

Gutierrez said TMP continues to maximize plant operations in Sta. Rosa, Laguna despite recent parts supply crunch.

While industry is 60 percent underutilized, the country’s largest vehicle assembler is set to maintain actual output at 28,000 units this year, just above its capacity of 25,000 units as registered with the Board of Investments.

Gutierrez said TMP has the capacity to produce up to 30,000 units.

Sta. Rosa produces the Innova and the Vios.

In his speech at a press conference at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show on November 30, TMC chair president Akio Toyoda said the company has confidence and pride in the on-site capabilities, human resources, and technological capabilities it has developed through automobile manufacturing in Japan, Thailand, and numerous other places around the world.

Tyoda said the company would not withdraw operations from neither Tohoku region in Japan nor from Thailand where some of its key plants are located despite the devastation.

TMC’s Thailand operations serve Asean where the Philippines is a part of. Thailand is a key source of some of completely knocked down kits that are assembled in the region.

“After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the flooding in Thailand…I concluded that the answer is to build a new future through automobile manufacturing in collaboration with local residents… The answer is to build a new future through automobile manufacturing in collaboration with local residents.” Toyoda said. He added: “Toyota has no intention of withdrawing from the Tohoku region or from Thailand.

On the contrary, we hope to become a driving force behind restoration and recovery by working together with the local people.

No matter how challenging the manufacturing environment becomes, and no matter how many obstacles we have to overcome, we will maintain our belief in the power of manufacturing.”

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

When Toyota unveils a new model, people everywhere sit up and take notice. More so if it’s two of its most popular models.

Which is exactly what happened – and is still happening – with last Thursday’s unveiling of the new Fortuner and Hilux.

The local motoring and business media – and the general public over the weekend – descended on to the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City to be among the first to see Toyota’s much-awaited new SUV and pickup.

Making the twin launches even more special was the occasion of Toyota Motor Philippines’ (TMP) 23rd anniversary, which was celebrated with a grand tent event which started on the day of the unveiling and which ended only yesterday.

And while the 2011 Fortuner is not exactly “all new,” it does sport a generous array of changes to make it look distinctly bolder and even more upscale.

It has a completely new front end, which also required changing the front fenders and hood instead of just the usual new grille, headlamps and bumper. The new visage, particularly in the new grille and headlamp treatments, has hints of Toyota’s flagship SUV, the Land Cruiser.

The new Fortuner now sports HID projector-type headlamps with auto leveling, auto light control and headlamp washers.

There are also new fender flares and alloy wheels and for the rear end, new taillights and bumpers.

In addition to this, the vehicle’s interior underwent significant changes to project an ambience of elegance and sportiness. To this end, a host of comfort and convenience features was added.

Lastly, performance enhancements were applied to the vehicle to achieve a more comfortable ride without sacrificing its ruggedness. (Expect a STAR test drive soon.)

“We are very excited about the new Fortuner. We have made a lot of improvements and, more importantly, made its prices more affordable for more people to enjoy,” said TMP Executive Vice President Yuji Goto said in statement.

As for the new Toyota Hilux, the bestselling pickup underwent similar changes with its exterior design with new front bumpers, front fenders, hood, grille, headlamp, and new optional 17-inch alloy wheels for the G-grade variant.

The twin IMV models’ interiors also now boast a new instrument panel cluster design and two-tone door trim, as well as Bluetooth (G-Grade only) and USB connectivity (G and E-Grades).

“With these new models, we offer our customers better products, with significantly improved riding comfort, handling and style,” TMP president Michinobu Sugata said in a statement.

“Another striking benefit is the very competitive pricing of all Fortuners and some Hilux variants. We remain true to Toyota’s Sure Advantage of great value with vehicles that offer both high quality and great affordability,” Sugata added.

The new four-variant Fortuner line-up starts at P1.330M for the 2.5 G Diesel 4×2 M/T entry-level model and tops out at P1.719M for the 3.0 Diesel 4×4 A/T flagship (a P1.343M 4×2 2.7 G Gas A/T midrange model is still available), while the five-model all-diesel Hilux line-up has retail prices ranging from P838,000 (2.5 J 4×2 M/T) to P1.433M (3.0 G 4×4 A/T).

Philippine Star

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