Toyota PH returns to two-shift production starting today

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) will return to two-shift production at its Sta. Rosa, Laguna manufacturing complex, starting today, September 14, signaling normalization of operations after months of limited capacity.

This was announced by the president of TMP, Atsuhiro Okamato, during the presentation during the weekend of his new Toyota Hilux pick-up truck.

“That means our production volume and plant operation and production efficiency will return to normal, same as before COVID,” Okamoto said, noting that they will increase capacity for October onward.

However, he said that the capacity will continue to depend on the demand situation in the country. TMP produces two models locally, Innova and Vios multipurpose, its model registered under the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program.

According to Okamoto, overall demand has been affected, including trucks for the fleet, but the market is on track to recover.

He said demand has started to improve since May. As the quarantine is expected to ease further this month, Okamoto expects sustained recoveries through the end of this year.

During this pandemic, Okamoto reported that small vehicle models, particularly its Wigo and Vios, are better off than larger car models as Filipinos have to buy cars due to limited public transportation.

The overall automotive industry has maintained the projected 30 percent decline in sales growth this year from last year.

Meanwhile, TMP’s senior vice president of marketing, José María Atienza, said that they have sold 7,000 units of Hilux so far this year or 13 percent of TMP’s total sales. For the rest of the year, TMP expects to sell around 5,000 units or close to 1,500 units a month.

“Yes, Hi-Lux for Toyota in the Philippines is one of our flagship models, one of our best-selling models,” Atienza said.

Hardworking Hilux has been a reliable road companion for Filipinos in city driving and off-road adventures, whether at work or play. In 2019, it captured a dominant segment share of 30.5 percent, an advantage that TMP seeks to maintain through the introduction of the latest version of the world-renowned pickup badge.

“This 2020, the new Toyota Hilux and Toyota Hilux Conquest arrive with an impressive new look, which is tougher and more exciting than ever,” said Okamoto.

“The new Hilux is designed to meet the tough demands of Filipino drivers and the various roads of the country. I’m sure the Hilux would prove once again why it is the pick-up of choice for the Philippines. Tough on all roads, every inch of a Hilux, ”he added.

The new Hilux comes with improvements to its appearance, performance and features and is available in 4 × 4 Conquest and 4 × 2 Conquest, G AT and MT and E MT variants. It is also competitively priced with the E variant starting at P1.1 million.