Toyota Motors Philippines Corporation (TMP) celebrates the production of its five hundred thousandth vehicle at a ceremonial line-off at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The 500,000-unit milestone covers the manufacture of completely knocked-down (CKD) and semi knocked-down (SKD) units since TMP started production operations in 1989 up to March 2012. TMP currently produces the industry-leading Vios and Innova models. Prior to these, the company produced models such as the Corolla, Corona, Crown, Camry, Lite-Ace, and the popular Tamaraw FX and Revo. 

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In ceremonies held at its Santa Rosa City headquarters, TMP president Michinobu Sugata expressed pride over the global quality skills of Filipino workers and their Philippine-made vehicles.

TMP vice chairman Alfred Ty, likewise, stressed the importance of the 500,000-milestone in the history of the country’s leading car manufacturer saying, “This milestone is a testament to the unrelenting devotion to excellence of every Team Member who helped make Toyota Motor Philippines what it is today.”

Re-affirming Toyota’s commitment to nation building, Ty highlighted that, “We shall further solidify Toyota’s partnership with the Philippines while continuing to contribute to economic development in the country. We shall constantly innovate ourselves to meet the dynamic needs of our customers and remain committed to help shape a more progressive future for the Philippines.” TMP, directly and through the Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation, has been among the most zealous in socio-civic efforts with its various corporate social responsibility or CSR programs. 

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In his special message, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP) chief regional officer for Asia Pacific region Takahiro Iwase, commended the milestone and expressed gratitude to the Philippine Government for its strong support to the domestic automotive industry. 

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As Iwase expressed optimism about the finalization of the Philippine Auto Industry Roadmap, he further appealed saying, “We seek continued strong support from the Philippine Government to provide the right policy environment to help strengthen local manufacturing and improve the Philippine auto industry’s competitiveness in the Asia Pacific region”.

In gratitude to the customer support the company has enjoyed, TMP is awarding one Innova to a customer who can present the longest-running, TMP locally-produced vehicle.