Marcos: Toyota's P5.5-B investment for new Tamaraw to impact PH transport, MSMEs

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Friday expressed confidence that Toyota Motor Corp.'s investment for the Next Generation Tamaraw would have a significant impact not just in transportation but even in the country's MSMEs.

To recall, Toyota has made a P5.5-billion investment for the production of the Philippine-made Next Generation Tamaraw. Some P1.1-billion of this amount was previously announced as Toyota's investment pledge for the country's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

The Japanese car manufacturer presented the Next Generation Tamaraw and Hydrogen Technology to Marcos during a ceremony at the Palace.

Marcos said the New Generation Tamaraw is designed for Filipinos and with this, the country's micro, small, medium enterprises and proprietors have a reliable partner in empowering our people in their daily journeys.

"Now, we have the new Tamaraw which has again been redesigned for the modern environment. And with all of the new technologies that Toyota has developed, incorporated into a design that is specifically made for the Philippine condition," Marcos said.

"The Tamaraw has been synonymous with reliability. It is a vehicle that has transported many of our people from home to their destinations, to school, to work," he added.

He said that the new Toyota design was specifically made for Philippine conditions.

Toyota Motor Philippines recently released details of the new Tamaraw, which will come in different variants catering to various driving needs, both for work and leisure.

The company said the vehicle has a re-engineered IMV platform, a simple block-like design that is easy to convert, use, and maintain.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the first five units would be given to the First Lady Louise "Liza" Araneta-Marcos' "Lab for All" Initiative.

"Undoubtedly, this contribution will improve our ability to deliver essential medical services to our citizens," Marcos said.

"Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Toyota for providing a diverse array of mobility solutions that empower Filipinos in our quest for a more progressive and productive future," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News