REVEALED during the recent 35th founding of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) by TMP Chair Alfred V. Ty (AVT) were several stunning milestones that helped propel the brand as the country’s consistent top automaker for the longest time.
Already, the best-selling Toyota Vios has sold more than 2 million, with 1 million Vios units built solely by Filipino craftsmen.
TMP being truly a partner in nation-building, it has paid P448 billion in taxes thus far.
Here is AVT’s anniversary speech at the Grand Hyatt Manila on BGC Taguig.
“Our celebration of our 35th anniversary is extra special for me. This year, I received a SPECIAL LOYALTY AWARD from TMP in recognition of my 30 years of service. It has really been a very exciting three decades.
“Allow me to express my special thanks to the Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, Mr. Akio Toyoda, for joining us this evening. Akio san, thank you for flying in to join us, since your last trip 5 years ago. You have always been a very strong beacon of hope and inspiration especially during the COVID years. Indeed, you bring light when it is needed most.
“Where do I start?
“Well, we began as a humble start-up back in 1988. Sometime 1985-86, my father and TMP founding Chair—Dr. George Ty—was invited by Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda to be the Toyota distributor for the Philippines.
“Frankly, Dr. Ty was hesitant and concerned about how we could contribute to our partnership with Toyota since we had no experience in the automotive field. Thanks to the support of the pioneer team some of whom are still with us today, they tackled challenges one at a time…and the rest, as they say, is history.
“From a start-up team of about 20 people, Toyota Motor Philippines is now close to 4,000-strong.
“As of mid-year 2023, we have locally produced 1.03 million units, delivered a cumulative total of 2.24 million units to Filipino homes all across the country.
“In terms of contributing to the economy, TMP and the Toyota Group have cumulatively invested P73.7 billion since 2000, paid duties and taxes of P448 billion and exported US$18.76 billion of auto parts and components since 1997.
“All these milestones could have only been possible because of your support. In behalf of the over 71,000 members in the ENTIRE Team Toyota Philippines eco-system—in TMP, our suppliers, dealers and business partners—I would like to sincerely thank all of you.
“Today, in behalf of over 2 million Toyota owners in the Philippines, I want to say to Akio san…please keep those amazing Toyotas and Lexuses coming and keep showing us the FUN of driving!
“Toyota’s roadmap to a cleaner, carbon neutral-world includes multiple pathways. We believe it begins with hybrid electric vehicles that are fun-to-drive yet helpful in reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, without the need for a charging infrastructure network.
“When we opened 35 years ago, TMP committed to a vision of not only building cars but also helping build a nation. Today, as my father did 35 years ago, I am delighted to renew that commitment.
“In pursuit of our vision, TMP remains committed to supporting local manufacturing through our partnership with parts makers, other industry players and, of course, the government.
“We are constantly on the lookout for new paths and opportunities to harness the strengths of the nation. As you may know, a single car is no longer simply made of physical parts alone. Today, the advancements in microcomputing makes software an ever more critical differentiator.
“Ladies and gentlemen, 35 years ago, we established Toyota Motor Philippines, a company wholly committed to improving the lives of Filipinos through the business of manufacturing and selling automobiles. Many things have changed since, but the philosophy established by our founders, Dr. Shoichiro Toyda and Dr. George S.K. Ty, of #1 in Quality and #1 in Customer Service will always remain the same.
“Thank you and please enjoy the rest of the evening.”
PEE STOP Aries P. Alconaba welcomes race buffs anew to watch free of charge the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup Leg 2 roaring off at 9 a.m. on September 8-9 at Clark Speedway in Pampanga…Lyka-Mae Andres reports that the All-New Honda CR-V will be launched on September 13 at the Grand Hyatt Manila in BGC Taguig…Congrats on the new posting of Maricar Parco at Changan, Froy Dytiangquin as Chery’s Managing Director and Karl Magsuci as Subaru Country Manager…Ramon S. Ang personally introduced to the media recently the Purosangue FUV (Ferrari Utility Vehicle) and the Ferrari SB29 at his swanky Velocita Motors on Edsa. Despite their being a bit too pricey (the FUV comes at P46M and the SB29 at P26M), Ang’s sales force find themselves a bit too busy these days sorting out advance orders.
