Toyota PH provides reprieve to owners of flood-soaked vehicles

Toyota is no stranger to disasters: Last year’s earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan, the flooding in Thailand, and the problematic electricity supply stemming from the meltdowns at Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant that disrupted parts supplies and production for the leading Japanese automaker.

There’s also that 2009-2011 massive recalls in North America that dented its brand image.

But just like the Philippines that has seen its share of disasters in recent years, Toyota has proven to be an incredibly resilient organization and has in fact, recovered far quicker than many imagined possible.

During a recent shareholders’ meeting, Toyota Motor Corp. president Akio Toyoda attributed such fast recovery not only to the combination of quality craftsmanship and smart pricing but also from the support of the public who encouraged the company and its leadership to keep going.

“Last year was a tough time for me, but I clearly remember every word of sympathy and encouragement that was given by the public and our media friends at the time of Japan earthquake and tsunami. I am very happy and appreciative to know that Toyota has many strong supporters in the Philippines, who have helped TMP recover fully from the unfortunate calamities last year. I believe that this is a kind gift from the Filipino in return for our continuous efforts in serving our customers and contributing to the development of the society throughout our 24-year history,” Toyota Motor Philippines president Michinobu Sugata said.

That same support is now reciprocated by TMP as it announced a donation totaling P1 million to the province of Laguna and to the city of Sta. Rosa.

Understanding what flooding could do to a vehicle, Sugata also announced that TMP will be providing discounts for parts and labor for flood-damaged Toyota vehicles.

TMP announced that there will be a 40-percent discount on replacement engine control unit, or ECU; 20-percent discount on selected flood-affected parts; and 20-percent discount on labor.

“We anticipate the needs of our customers during these times and we are committed to help them move forward,” Sugata said.

Sugata also said that while the company started sluggishly during the first quarter of 2012 due mainly to supply shortages from Thailand, TMP bounced back in the second quarter.