The Philippines may get a share in the production of a Toyota model currently being made in Thailand, as Japanese investors are looking for alternative manufacturing sites given Thailand’s vulnerability to flooding.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Alfredo M. Yao said this was discussed in a recent meeting of the Philippines-Thailand Business Council facilitated by PCCI.
Officials from the Thai unit of Toyota said a model currently produced in their country may also be assembled here on the desire of the mother unit to find other manufacturing sites.
“They’re looking at integrating, because they are being affected by the decision of Japanese investors to come here because of the flooding [in Thailand]. The [mother unit] is looking at other alternative places,” said Yao in an interview with reporters during the first day of PCCI’s three-day 40th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel.
Yao said the specifics—such as the model and timing of the production—are still being finalized.
He, however, said the visiting Thai Toyota officials met with their Filipino counterparts to discuss the possible expansion of Toyota in the Philippines.
The move may lessen production in Thailand, thus, reducing the risk of substantial loss in production in case a massive flood hits the country again. Toyota operates three assembly plants in Thailand, where the Camry, Vios, Yaris hatchback and the Hilux, among other models, are being produced.
Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. Vice President for Corporate Affairs Rommel Gutierrez has not responded to inquiries on the matter.
Yao said the massive flooding and political situation in Thailand present opportunities for the Philippines to expand its local production of vehicles.
Based on the discussions, the unspecified model may be produced here both for the domestic and export markets.
Catherine N. Pillas
