THE reimposition of the MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine) on August 4 has sort of practically stopped economic activity again, mainly wreaking havoc on our hapless working class especially those employed in the nonessentials segment in the five provinces covered by the virtual lockdown: Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Metro Manila.
Likewise severely affected would be those employed in companies inherently needed to keep commerce afloat, specifically the manpower that rely mainly on public transport to get to their places of work from home and back up to August 18.
Several already have complained of being forced to fork hard-earned moolah for cab fare that is often exorbitant but “we just have to bite the bullet” in order to arrive in the office on time.
Thank God our frontliners have rides provided by hospitals in the two-week standoff.
I wish the essential companies could also provide free shuttle to their workers?
Toyota is 32
BURIED in the din of the pandemic is the 32-year anniversary of Toyota in the Philippines, marked somberly with the launch recently of the New Vios.
“In our over 30-year history, we have faced many challenges but this is by far the most challenging we have seen,” said TMP chairman Alfred Ty. “Of one thing I am sure: this will be our finest moment. We will draw on our collective strength to support government in its recovery efforts and we will assure our customers and each one in our Toyota family that we will stand by each other every step of the way.”
TMP team members would normally begin the day with a general assembly to honor its achievements and achievers. And TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto kept tradition by calling a virtual gathering to commemorate the occasion.
Okamoto shared his optimism about the fight against the Covid-19 virus. He pointed to the success of countries like New Zealand and Thailand in their efforts to contain infections.
“Other countries have shown that this virus can be controlled,” he said. “We will get there, too, if we continue our adherence to the necessary health protocols. We will win this battle. I thank the government and all our frontliners for their selfless efforts in this time of crisis. Let us work together and heal as one.”
In 2019, Toyota scored its 18th consecutive triple crown as No. 1 anew in passenger car, SUV and commercial vehicle segments.
Toyota has been the most preferred automotive brand of Filipinos in all but three of its 32-year history.
From just 3 to 78 models
FROM 1988 up to June 2020, TMP has put 1.78 million Toyota vehicles on Philippine roads.
Starting with just three models, TMP now has 78 variants, including such favorites like the Vios, Innova, Hilux, Fortuner, Wigo, Rush, Avanza and Hiace—not to mention its growing breed of hybrid electric vehicles and luxury lines under its Lexus brand.
By 2019, TMP has employed 55,000 Filipinos, invested P64 billion and paid P384 billion in cumulative taxes and duties.
Annually, TMP generates exports of $1 billion in Philippine-made local parts. Since it started its local production in 1989 until June 2020, TMP has produced almost 880,000 units.
Together with its 71 dealers nationwide, Toyota is transforming itself into a one-stop solution provider to meet the growing mobility needs of Filipinos, establishing the Toyota Financial Services, Toyota Insure Program and Toyota Certified Used Vehicles.
TMP has also started offering Connected Auto Loans, Full Service Leases and a newly launched Kinto package that is similar to a vehicle subscription program. It is also piloting On-Demand Shuttle services with the Department of Transportation and offering Fleet Management Services to select partners.
‘Together we are stronger’
THE company has introduced MyToyotaPH app that makes vehicle maintenance via your mobile phone, plus substituting the well-followed Vios Cup with the exciting new Supra GT Cup race.
During the quarantine, TMP donated 30 Vios vehicles to the Department of Health and Local Government of Santa Rosa and loaned 50 vehicles to essential workers. Dealers across the country worked with their respective communities to provide much needed relief goods, while also distributing 43,000 masks to health workers.
These are all on top Toyota’s environmental programs like its Coastal Clean-Up and Mangrove Planting Program; education through the TMP School of Technology; and sports involvement through its partnership with the Philippine Paralympic Committee.
“This crisis is surely a very challenging experience for everyone,” Ty said. “But as market leader, it is our responsibility to elevate customer service even in these most difficult times. We will redouble our efforts in helping to bring the Philippine economy back on track to a better tomorrow. Indeed, together, we are stronger.”
PEE STOP
Toyota’s new movements placed Tini Arevalo as the new head of the New Mobility Business Division while still maintaining her post as first vice president. Elijah Marcial is vice president for marketing services, Elvin “Hayes” Luciano PR and communications manager, and Nadinne B. Capistrano PR specialist. Cheers to you, guys!