PH-made vehicle to boost local manufacturing
after in-house conversion and supply chain investments
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) proudly rolled off the Next Generation Tamaraw at a ceremonial event held last November 28 at TMP’s Santa Rosa manufacturing plant. This revival of a long-standing ‘Filipino icon’, which is to be produced in the country, underscores the company’s commitment to bolstering the Philippine economy and revitalizing the automotive sector through local manufacturing.
The Next Generation Tamaraw is built on Toyota’s International Multi-Purpose Vehicle 0 (IMV 0) platform, specifically designed for the Asian market. This strategic localization highlights TMP’s support for the Philippine government’s initiatives to strengthen the economy and add value across various sectors. Chairman Alfred V. Ty emphasized the importance of the vehicle, stating, “It is built by Filipinos, for Filipinos.”
The Santa Rosa facility, which has undergone a P5.5 billion overhaul, now produces three Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) models: the Vios, Innova, and Next Generation Tamaraw. With an annual production capacity exceeding 54,800 units, TMP aims to manufacture between 18,000 and 22,000 Tamaraws each year, translating to 1,500 to 1,800 units monthly. This expansion is expected to drive technology transfer, sustain employment, and enhance regional competitiveness.
In addition, the newly established 1.5-hectare TMP Conversion Factory will now allow for in-house conversions of the Tamaraw into several distinct body styles. The variants projected to be available to the public include:
• Utility Van (FX): Offered in both long and standard wheelbases, designed for commercial use.
• Dropside Pickup: A versatile option ideal for transporting goods.
• Aluminum Van: Suitable for various applications, providing durability and flexibility.
Both gas and diesel engine options will be available, alongside choices for manual and automatic transmissions, catering to the diverse needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. Retail sales are set to commence in January 2025 with prices starting below PHP800,000.
The local production of the Next Generation Tamaraw is set to have a positive impact on TMP’s supply chain, with Toyota suppliers investing an additional PHP 500 million for plant setups and equipment procurement. This collaborative effort aims to boost local manufacturing capabilities and support the automotive ecosystem.
Anticipating the Public Launch
The grand public launch of the Next Generation Tamaraw is scheduled for December 6, 2024, taking place simultaneously at several key locations nationwide, including:
• SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City
• Trinoma, Quezon City
• Ayala Malls Solenad, Santa Rosa, Laguna
• SM City Pampanga, San Fernando, Pampanga
• SM City Cebu, Cebu City
• SM Lanang, Davao City
• Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City
The launch event will begin at 11 AM and will be livestreamed on the Toyota Motor Philippines Facebook page, allowing fans and potential buyers to join in the celebration.
