The Toyota Tamaraw is fast becoming a rolling emblem of industrial resurgence in the Philippines, as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) aligns its expanding local production with the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program.
Speaking at a Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) logistics event, TMP President Masando Hashimoto said the resolution of the CARS program budget strengthens investor confidence and reinforces long-term commitments to domestic manufacturing.
“On behalf of Toyota Motor Corporation and the Japanese auto business community in the Philippines, we thank the DTI under Secretary Cristina Roque for resolving the CARS program budget,” Hashimoto said. “This is a major win for public–private partnership, and this support secures our local manufacturing and industrial systems.”
The Tamaraw represents more than a vehicle launch for Toyota. Since production began at its Santa Rosa plant on November 28, 2024, TMP has rolled out over 21,000 units as of end-January. The operation supports 4,500 Filipino workers and 44 local parts suppliers—many of them micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Hashimoto emphasized that local manufacturing multiplies value across the economy. Philippine-made vehicles bolster MSMEs on the supply side through parts and power suppliers, and on the demand side through businesses that rely on utility vehicles to operate and expand.
Designed with Filipino enterprises in mind, the Tamaraw offers 12 body configurations, from ambulances and police patrol units to emergency response and delivery vehicles.
“It reflects our belief that progress is within reach when businesses are equipped with the right tools,” Hashimoto said, underscoring Toyota’s partnership with the DTI to fortify supply chains and logistics nationwide.
