Toyota Commemorates 25 Years in the Philippines

Makati, Philippines, August 2, 2013―Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces that Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP), its vehicle production and sales company in the Philippines, held a ceremony here yesterday to commemorate its 25th anniversary.

At the anniversary ceremony, TMP welcomed President of the Senate of the Philippines Franklin M. Drilon, and other Philippine representatives. Representing Toyota were TMC Executive Vice President Yasumori Ihara, TMP Chairman Dr. George S.K. Ty and TMP President Michinobu Sugata. At the ceremony, Ihara said: "Twenty-five years have passed since the establishment of Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation. Please allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the people of the Philippines for using our vehicles and believing in us." Ihara also asked TMP employees to continue strengthening their relationships with customers and to more deeply understand their needs.

Separately, an opening ceremony for the Toyota Motor Philippines School of Technology was held today in Santa Rosa, Laguna Province. The technical school was established to develop skilled engineers able to contribute to the growth of the Philippine automotive industry and economy, as well as to the growth of the global automotive industry. At the ceremony, also attended by Ihara and Ty, Toyota welcomed former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos and other Philippine representatives.

Toyota's history in the Philippines began with sales of the "Crown" sedan in 1956. Vehicle production began in 1962 with the "Tiara" sedan, and in 1976 development of a vehicle specifically for the Philippines began, leading to production of the "Tamaraw" MPV, the first Toyota model produced exclusively for an emerging market.

TMP, established in 1988 and beginning operations in 1989, has been highly successful, having cumulatively produced more than 500,000 vehicles as of March 2012 and having cumulatively sold more than 800,000 vehicles as of April this year.

Toyota will continue its efforts to contribute to society in the Philippines through the creation of ever-better cars that exceed expectations.