Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) recently presented its upcoming Next Generation Tamaraw and a hydrogen-powered concept vehicle to Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malacañan Palace. The event highlighted TMP’s commitment to the development of the local automotive manufacturing industry, sustainable mobility solutions, and economic growth.
President Marcos expressed his appreciation for Toyota’s continued investment in the Philippines, particularly the recent P5.5 billion investment in the production of the Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw, also known regionally as the Toyota Innovative International Multi-Purpose Vehicle (IMV) 0 (Zero). This investment encompasses vehicle production, parts localization, and the establishment of a new in-house vehicle conversion capability, further enabling mobility for all through the easily convertible Tamaraw.
During the courtesy call of Toyota Motor Asia and TMP’s top officials at the Palace, the mobility leader displayed prototype conversion units of the Tamaraw. TMP aims to revive this iconic model into the next “national car” by catering to specialized conversion needs of various Philippine micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individuals.
At the same event, President Marcos received a letter of intent from TMP for its planned donation of five Tamaraw units, which will be converted and turned over to the government in 2025. These include five ambulances which will be used to support various mobility needs through the “Lab for All” health program of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos.
The company also introduced its “Beyond Zero” movement to the government. This corporate initiative supports the Philippine government’s direction toward a clean energy and low carbon economy transition.
TMP also used the occasion to present the Corolla Cross H2 Concept developed by Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) in Japan. This Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV) utilizes hydrogen gas supplied by a local producer and filled through a hydrogen refueling station (HRS) exclusively imported from an end-use application provider in Malaysia.
“For Toyota’s point of view, we would like to provide the most suitable vehicle technology for the country’s specific energy strategy,” said Toyota Asia Region chief executive officer Masahiko Maeda.
With Toyota’s widest array of xEV powertrain technologies, hydrogen has the potential to be one of the advanced alternative energy sources that presents the possibility of zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Beyond its commitment to decarbonize the entire vehicle life cycle—from raw materials sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution to recycling cars and batteries—TMP is also diversifying sustainable mobility with xEV usership services, and exploring the benefits of data solutions and connected technology for travel or logistic efficiency resulting in CO2 reduction.
