Toyota Motor Philippines reiterated its call to the government to provide support to hybrid vehicles as it launched Monday the first Corolla Altis Hybrid model.
Toyota president Saturo Suzuki said government support could easily make environmentally sound sedans like the new Altis Hybrid, which costs as much as P1.4 million, affordable to consumers.
“We expect the same level support the government gives to electric vehicles (EV). We want the people to get familiarized with hybrid models and be able to appreciate the benefits of having a hybrid car,” he said during the unveiling ceremonies.
Toyota will keep pushing for zero value added tax on hybrid vehicles and other perks accorded to electric vehicles.
Hybrid vehicles currently pay a VAT at 50 of net manufacturers’ cost.
Suzuki said the new technology used to run Altis Hybrid would not require infrastructure support from the government. Toyota merely wants to reduce the cost of acquisition as a step to getting more environment friendly cars on board.