TOYOTA Motor Philippines (TMP) celebrated its 30th anniversary in the country as a manifestation of the company’s three decades of sustained success. Achieved through strong partnerships and linkages, TMP also took the opportunity to acknowledge its stakeholders for the unwavering support.
President Duterte graced the event at the Grand Hyatt Manila at the BGC to acknowledge the company’s significant contribution to the country’s economy. Other distinguished guests were Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) President Akio Toyoda along with TMP Vice Chairman Alfred Ty and TMP President Satoru Suzuki.
“Toyota Motor [Philippines] is not only a leader in the production of quality vehicles. It is also a major driver of our economy, encouraging investments that spur national development,” Duterte said in his speech.
Duterte also lauded TMP for being key generator of employment with over 55,000 employees throughout the country.
He said Toyota has also been the government’s “steadfast partner” in many initiatives like the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy Program (CARS) which aims to attract more investments and implement regulations that will transform the Philippines into an automotive manufacturing hub.
“As we continue to institute reforms in governance, Toyota Motor Philippines can count on my full support as it continues to bring the standards of the automotive industry to greater heights,” Duterte said.
Duterte encouraged Toyota to continue to become an example for other corporations to emulate through its corporate social responsibility.
“I am delighted to know that your initiatives that uplift the lives of our underprivileged countrymen are in line with my administration’s focus on eradicating illegal drugs, criminality and corruption in order to encourage business to grow,” he said.
The President took the opportunity to assure the business community that his government will protect their investments “as long as you obey the laws of the land”.
“As you prepare yourself for another exciting 30 years ahead, I trust that you’ll be one with me as we bring the real and lasting change for the sake of our people,” Duterte said.
Before his speech, Duterte received the keys of 20 units Toyota Vios and 10 units Innova from Toyota Motor Corporations chairman Akio Toyoda donated to the Office of the President.
Toyoda expressed his deep appreciation to TMP and the entire dealership network for achieving the No. 1 position for 19 consecutive years. “Over the years, I have seen the great efforts of everyone to keep Toyota growing in spite of many difficulties. In fact, during the Great Asian Financial Crisis of 1997, the car market in the Philippines dropped by half. It was during this period that I was assigned to be the Chief Regional Officer for this region. Those were really difficult times, but, I fondly recall how, together with Dr. George SK Ty and Mr. Alfred Ty, Toyota’s future would be built by the Philippines’s motorization.”
Since 1989 TMP has sold over 1.5 million units in the country. This year the leading automaker targets to sell a total of 180,000 units. In a special ceremony, 30 vehicles, to symbolize three decades, were donated to the government. This signifies the government and TMP’s collaboration in revitalizing the country’s automotive manufacting. Of the 30 locally manufactured units turned over, 20 were the all-new Vios and 10 were Innova.
TMP said it is also committed and will continue in serving the extra mile to deliver “Always Better Cars, Always Better Lives” to its stakeholders.
With Jelly Musico, PNA
Image credits: Nonie Reyes