NEW TAMARAW | The latest version of the iconic Philippine vehicle will be customizable and adapted to users’ needs, like this proposed jeepney design. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine unit of Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corp. said it will begin local production of its next-generation multipurpose vehicle inspired by the Tamaraw model next year, with the company looking to invest P4.4 billion to resurrect the iconic vehicle that first plied Philippine roads in the 1970s.
Toyota Motor Corp. chair Akio Toyoda revealed this plan during the 35th anniversary celebration of the automotive giant’s local subsidiary where they also unveiled concept vehicles for the model.
“I am very pleased to say that in 2024, for the first time ever, the IMV (innovative international multipurpose vehicles) such as this, the next-generation Tamaraw, will be produced as [completely built units] right here in the Philippines at our Santa Rosa plant,” he said.
Toyota Motors Philippines first vice president Rommel Gutierrez told reporters on the sidelines of the event that production in their Laguna plant could begin by the middle or the third quarter of 2024, the same time when they will make it available to the local market.
“It will be in the same quarter because as early as now, we are already preparing the production line. And even the part makers, they have the design. So, they are already sourcing for that,” Guiterrez said.
Asked what the price range will be for the next-generation Tamaraw, the Toyota executive declined to give estimates but said they want it to be affordable for micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Guiterrez added they wanted the new model to also become the top choice for public utility vehicles, citing that it could also be used as an ambulance, patrol car, or even as taxis.
The Toyota executive said the new Tamaraw vehicle will also be using a conventional fuel engine, but said they are open to the prospect of making it run on electricity or as a hybrid vehicle as well. “As you know, vehicle models today have hybrid variants of their own,” Guiterrez said.
To date, Toyota is the dominant car brand in the Philippines, with a nearly 46-percent share of the local automotive market.