ALFRED V. Ty, chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Lexus Philippines, revealed during the recent Media Thanksgiving gathering at the Grand Hyatt BGC that TMP paid P60 billion in 2023 taxes, in that 2024 will see the revival of the iconic Tamaraw. Here is his speech:
“2023 was a remarkable year and all of you were very much a part of making that possible. Your partnership and friendship have been essential to the recovery story of the auto industry and the resurgence of the FUN TO DRIVE spirit.
“On the occasion of our 35th year anniversary, we were fortunate to have President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. visit our Sta. Rosa factory. Mr. Akio Toyoda and I hosted him during his visit, and we were very encouraged by his high level of interest in our operations. In fact, PBBM mentioned that he felt like he was visiting an automotive factory in Japan, given the level of quality he observed.
“On the same day, the First Lady, Liza Araneta Marcos, graced our unveiling of the next generation Tamaraw. She was very excited about the opportunities that the Tamaraw presented in meeting the mobility needs of Filipinos, especially MSME’s.
“I thank you for your tremendous support in covering our first-ever GR Festival attended by Morizo himself. Due to your efforts, the word has gone out to the Toyota universe that Filipinos love cars. To this day, Morizo is all smiles when he recalls his visit to Manila last year.
Recovered
“FRIENDS, the industry is now officially fully recovered from Covid. Total sales of 430,000 units in 2023 has topped the 410,000 of 2019. This is wonderful news because the auto industry is such a major contributor to and enabler of the economy. The recovery of the auto industry signals the return to motorization that was waylaid by the pandemic.
“Last year, TMP paid a total P60 billion in taxes. We are happy that we can once again help drive nation-building.
Of course, I am also pleased that Toyota continues to be the country’s most popular car brand for the 22nd consecutive year now.
“I am also very happy that we set a new all-time sales record in 2023, with sales shattering the 200,000-unit barrier. I am humbled to have touched the lives of so many Filipinos and, in our own little way, have helped moved their world.
“I am very encouraged, too, that the luxury market continues to grow. In 2023, the market expanded by 37 percent to 4,396 units with the share of Lexus climbing to 42 percent. What this tells me is that the Filipinos are on their way to a higher quality of life and standard of living, in line with the government’s goal of making the Philippines an upper middle-income society.
Tamaraw
“THE big story in 2024 is the planned introduction of the Next Generation Tamaraw. This is very much aligned with the program of government to expand manufacturing activity in the Philippines…it will create jobs, support local parts makers and provide MSME’s with a viable and sustainable mobility solution for their businesses.
“Your support in championing this game-changing model will also champion the cause of a better life for Filipinos.
“Electrification will be a continuing tale to tell. Our fight for carbon neutrality is gaining ground with sales of our hybrids and Lexus RZ BEV, increasing their representation in our line-up to 3.6 percent from 1.2 percent in 2022.
“One of our pioneering initiatives was the launch of a digital solution to enhancing the quality of ride sharing in the Philippines. We piloted this initiative with the Department of Transportation, point-to-point bus lines and even private companies. To-date, we continue to operate a fleet of about 50 corporate shuttles under the ‘myTOYOTA Shuttle PH’ app.
Shuttle
“RECENTLY, we also launched our Toyota Community Shuttle Program in Santa Rosa and Pasay City as an expanded pilot program. Called ‘Libreng Sakay,’ this will run for a period of one year.
“We expect that this will help unlock new mobility opportunities that will benefit Filipinos everywhere. I am quite excited with the positive feedback we are receiving so far.
“Since we established TMSPH, we have grown our portfolio of mobility solutions. We established a rent-a-car operation. We are also overseeing vehicle fleets of various companies as part of our fleet management business. And the growing interest in vehicle leasing is really encouraging.
“On the CSR front, I am happy that our TMP Tech School is now back to full operations following Covid. At the end of 2023, we have a population of 667 students and we dispatched 38 graduates to Japan.
“Again, thank you everyone for being with us tonight. Let us cherish the past, create the future, but let’s not forget to always celebrate the moment. Please enjoy the party.”
PEE STOP
Raymond T. Rodriguez is still euphoric for hosting a record 220 Lexus owners during the Lexus Invitational Golf, celebrating at the same time 1,843 units sold in 2023 as Lexus officially became the country’s No. 1 in the luxury segment. Cheers!