THE following is the second and final part of Satoru Suzuki’s farewell speech as the indefatigable president for four years of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP):
“Nation-building is a shared responsibility, and as one of the country’s top companies, TMP maintains an active role in shaping our economy and helping the Filipino achieve their potential.
“Aside from providing thousands of jobs throughout the entire manufacturing supply chain and distribution network, Toyota also trains people through the TMP School of Technology in Santa Rosa, Laguna. As of 2019, it has produced a total of 1,178 graduates, highly skilled technicians equipped for various fields of automotive servicing and repair.
“This aligns with TMP’s commitment of working hand-in-hand with the Philippine government in improving lives and industry for the Filipino. Related to the CARS Program, TMP and its suppliers have already invested P5.38-billion as of 2019, for the localization of parts.
“To date, TMP has achieved 58 percent localization of the total body shell weight of the Vios, far exceeding the 50 percent CARS Program requirement.
“We are positive that we will meet the 200,000 units CARS Program target for the Vios within six years.
“In the area of motor sports, you can expect more action in the Vios Racing Festival as we intensify our local integration of the Toyota Gazoo Racing activities, beyond the traditional racing formats we have all grown to love. This includes tapping the younger population and casual racing fans to participate in eSports competitions.
“Another landmark effort is our Start Your Impossible National Coastal Cleanup and Mangrove Planting held last September. Together with local government units and Toyota dealerships, TMP led almost 2,000 volunteers across 35 locations nationwide. We were able to collect 1,200 sacks of waste, and plant around 40,000 mangrove propagules by the end of the two-day activity.
“As a global mobility partner for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, TMP has also donated a 26-seater coaster to the Philippine Paralympic Committee. Next year, TMP will also be making sports wheelchair donations to give our para-athletes a competitive edge. Through TMP’s partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee, we have donated a Coaster for their transportation needs during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
“Under the same umbrella, I am pleased to announce TMP’s upcoming project, called Football for Tomorrow. This will be Toyota’s sports clinic that enables kids to pursue their passion while developing the right skills and mind-set under the guidance of professional football players.
“Toyota is also already laying the foundations of the auto industry’s future, in the face of rapidly changing times.
“First, to improve our massive-scale logistics operations, TMP will invest P4.5 billion for the development of Toyota’s Luzon hub. This infrastructure is slated to be operational by the second semester of 2020, and will revolutionize the efficiency of Toyota’s post-production vehicle logistics operations.
“Another project that I am happy to announce is the availability of the Toyota Mobile App for our customers.
“With new consumer habits in mind and adopting trends in the aigital dge, this mobile app consolidates all vital information into one. Customers will now be able to access product specifications, dealer directories, and after-sales support within a few clicks. This makes purchasing a car or scheduling your next preventive maintenance service faster and easier.
“Lastly, Toyota Motor Philippines is now exploring new business models from traditional car ownership to ‘car usership.’ Aligned with Toyota’s global direction of being a mobility company, we would like Filipinos to try out long-term leasing of our vehicles to suit their needs and their budget.
“And, as you may have seen and heard on the news, it is no secret that TMP will also be participating in the PUV Modernization Program through our converted Hilux PUV model. Positioned to fit the Class 1 requirements laid out by the Department of Transportation, the Hilux PUV will provide commuters with a safer and more comfortable ride.
“More importantly, Toyota views this as an opportunity for the Filipino people to take a step towards modernization. TMP is working closely with the Philippine government to make this project not only a success, but also to assist drivers in their transition to new vehicles.
“As such, those are the major TMP projects and activities that the media can look forward to in 2020. Before I end this presentation, I have one last official announcement to make.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is with both sadness and gratitude that I announce my time with Toyota Motor Philippines has come to an end.
“Taking up the mantle of presidency from 2016 to 2019 proved to be a challenging journey made easy with everyone here by my side. Having served the Philippines alongside its brave, hardworking, and creative people through TMP is indeed a life-changing experience; one that I can proudly call a highlight of my career.
“To my friends from the media, it has been an honor and a pleasure being with all of you for four years, each day and month I shall never forget. I will carry these memories with me, as I take my last bow today.
“I will leave this stage knowing with full confidence that Toyota and the automotive industry are in good hands. You being here today is a testament to a friendship that goes beyond business.
“I wish for us to welcome the holidays and the new decade ahead with smiles in our faces and gratitude in our hearts. This is not a final goodbye, but a new beginning. I am sure I will be seeing all of you again very soon.
“Maraming, maraming salamat po. Mabuhay!”
PEE STOP Merry Christmas! May you have given more than what you have received.