Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) kicked off its All New Innova production line at a ceremonial roll-off at its manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna on April 14, 2016. Since its introduction in 2005, the Innova became one of the best-selling Multi- Purpose Vehicles (MPV) in the Philippines. The All New Innova has new features and has enhanced vehicle performance.
TMP vice chairman Alfred Ty reassured that more than manufacturing better vehicles, Toyota seeks to further contribute to nation-building. He said, “More than building better cars, Toyota’s fundamental thrust transcends to contributing to nation-building through employment generation, human resource development, and advancing the country’s manufacturing capability in vehicle and parts production through technology transfer.”
During the event, TMP president Satoru Suzuki expressed his gratitude to various stakeholders saying, “Today’s FMC Innova roll-off would not have been possible without the strong support of and close collaboration among various stakeholders – the Government, our suppliers, dealers, and our own Team Members.” Suzuki also expressed his appreciation to Toyota Team Members saying, “I am proud to say that the All New Innova is made by a Great Team of highly-skilled Filipinos. Your efforts will definitely play a vital part in the Company’s drive to sustain our leadership in the automotive industry.
Ty and Suzuki both expressed their gratitude to the Philippine government for actively helping the automotive sector flourish over the years. Through government programs like the Investment Priorities Plan, incentives for PEZA locators, and the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy or CARS Program, TMP now has a better chance to be more competitive and pursue opportunities of becoming a regional player in the auto-manufacturing industry.
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) executive general manager Hiroyoshi Ninoyu said, “I am sure that the CARS Program will attract a number of investments to revitalize the automotive industry in the country. For this, we are grateful to the Philippine government for accelerating its competitiveness.”
Ninoyu also expressed optimism about customers’ reception towards the All New Innova, saying, “We, at TMC, have strong faith that the Filipinos will embrace the All New Innova. We hope that this new and exciting product will not just make our customers smile but more importantly exceed their expectations.”
For more than ten (10) years now, Toyota has sold over 140,000 Innova units in the country. By continuing to provide ever better Quality, Durability and Reliability (QDR), Toyota is confident that the All New Innova will continue to lead in the Philippine MPV segment.
Photos by Ricky Velasco and TMP