The Toyota Hilux Conquest has been both a bestseller and a formidable partner

Written by: Ronald Rey M. De los Reyes

Conquerors like that of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, Hernan Cortes and countless others in history have not only amassed immense wealth, but also claimed vast lands and built empires. They have also subdued cultures, natives, molded civilizations and shaped ideologies. 

Today, modern conquerors are not motivated by just about wealth or power, but the freedom and power to places. And for these vanguards, there is the Toyota Hilux Conquest, which by its name itself befits those notable warriors in the annals of history. Along with other noteworthy steeds under the Japanese marque, the Hilux has not only gained the customers’ trust and confidence, but their loyalty, as well. In fact, here in the Philippines, studies show that one out of every two Filipino car owners drive a Toyota. They usually rave about the vehicle’s styling, reliability, drivability, parts and supplies availability, aftersales service and basically, overall customer satisfaction. 32-year-old pharmacy and construction supply businessman, June Hipolito, can even attest to this as he drives a 2021 model of the Toyota Hilux Conquest.

“What I love about this pickup is its reliability. I can take it anywhere and it can conquer any terrain,” Hipolito, who hails from Pulilan, Bulacan, shared during an exclusive interview with Inquirer Motoring.

“Other than that, it’s so handsome and macho,” he added. 

Hipolito, who purchased his Toyota Hilux Conquest in 2021, said that there were a number of factors he first considered before buying the vehicle.

“I’m in the pharmacy and construction business that’s why I considered a vehicle that would be best suitable for this. Since Toyota is the number one carmaker in the country, I didn’t hesitate,” he said. 

“It has a considerable cargo space at the back. It can carry 800-900 kg of construction supplies and equipment,” he added. 

“Also, when clients see me driving the vehicle, it gives them a sense of assurance. It adds to my credibility, trustworthiness and authority. Not just on the road but in business, as well.” 

Beating the floods of Bulacan

Flooding is one of the most common natural hazards that communities in Bulacan usually encounter. For one, in 2021, Typhoon Fabian wreaked havoc in the province leaving more than 50 villages submerged in water in its wake.

“That time, there were a few of us who dared cross the floods in San Simon. There were other big pickup vehicles of other brands and it was my Hilux that was only able to cross. All others got stalled and never made it,” Hipolito divulged. 

“That’s when I realized that this pickup can really take on anything.”

“Recently, during Typhoon Carina, when there were floods here, I did not even worry,” he continued.

A trusty all-arounder 

The young family man, together with his wife and two children, also use the vehicle as their daily driver. 

“I use it when I bring my kids to school before going to work,” he said. 

“It’s very fuel-efficient.”

The vehicle, June explained further, gives his family that sense of security and protection. 

He can even liken it to a formidable armored vehicle.

“It’s like one since it’s big and reliable. It can go past rough roads with a cinch. The vehicle can be used in going to sites that are far-flung in the outskirts and it can still bring you back home in one piece,” he shared. 

Moreover, he also shared that in one of his roadmaps in life, he plans to circumnavigate the whole archipelago using the Toyota Hilux Conquest.

“Together with my family, I plan to go around the country, from North all the way to the South, and personally see the beauty of the Philippines. It would be my ultimate dream to travel with this pickup.”

Formidable partner in building his own empire

Now in his early 30s, Hipolito divulges his big dreams for his family and business. 

“I plan to be a successful businessman one day. Now, we’re still building our foundations and expanding,” he shared.

Furthermore, according to him, he first purchased his Toyota HiLux Conquest before starting his own construction business.

“It has been my formidable partner since Day One,” he disclosed. 

And if Hipolito truly ought to climb the ladder and be on top of the world someday, he must heed the examples of the greats, like that of Alexander, Genghis Khan or even that of Toyota for that matter, which sold 25,958 units of the Hilux last year, making it the best-selling local pickup of 2023.

It would take a gazillion guts, grit and gusto from him. But what the hell, even Rome wasn’t built in one day.

ADVT. 

This article is brought to you by Toyota Philippines.