Choose what’s proven
Let’s face it. It has been a long-established truth that the world will eventually exhaust its natural resources. That’s why governments around the world have been adamant on biodiversity protection and carbon neutrality. In the world of mobility, in short, the reality is that sooner or later we may have to face a world without fuel which causes the harmful effects of carbon dioxide.
We never expected that that kind of reality would come any sooner, not by anything related to the environment, however, but by the hand of the world’s most powerful country. Yes, the energy situation worldwide is unstable, if not volatile. And those that have foreseen the situation and have done things to mitigate it are two steps ahead of the competition.
Locally, we have seen this. The overall automotive sales were down these past few months as we experienced the brunt brought about by the conflict in the Middle East. One segment, however, was going the opposite direction–the electrified vehicle segment, dominated more or less by the Chinese carmakers. Compared to more established brands, they’re more affordable, practical, novel and sufficiently solve the Filipino’s day-to-day struggles, particularly during this crisis.
Now, at this ongoing Philippine International Motor Show, overshadowed by the more established legacy brands, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is at the forefront.
“There is always a Toyota for you,” said TMP senior vice president, Sherwin Chua-Lim.
He further explained that at this year’s motor show, they are again setting out to introduce more Toyotas for the local market.
“In today’s ever-changing automotive landscape, wherein you would hear people say choose this or that, I invite people to choose what’s proven,” he added.
“When you choose your ride home again, choose Toyota, a leader in mobility, backed by legacy. Let Toyota empower you with the right choice today.”
Being at the helm of more established brands, the statement is seen as a powerful message to likewise treat the carmaker’s fellow “legacy” contemporaries the same.
Powerful choices to choose from
With Toyota’s Multi-Pathway Approach, a strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by offering diverse powertrain technologies, TMP is displaying vehicles with internal combustion engines to hybrids, as well as battery electric vehicles.
First on the list is the all-new Toyota Hilux BEV.
The Hilux BEV keeps the signature body-on-frame construction, equipped with dual e-axles, permanent all-wheel drive and robust commercial utility.
It sports a 59.2-kWh lithium-ion, all-wheel-drive (dual front and rear e-axles) and can produce about 170 to 193 hp (depending on the region).
Also, it can reach a range of 240 km to 300 km.
It’s even dubbed with its “invincible spirit” of durability and performance. For them, it’s “guided by the tough and agile design philosophy that customers can expect the Hilux BEV to have a much more dynamic and sophisticated fascia in the form of a “Cyber-Sumo” aesthetic.
The full-electric Toyota Hilux BEV (4×4) is officially priced at P 2,990,000.
Now, another strong option is the newest FJ Cruiser. This likewise has a long-standing legacy. The LC FJ, which stands for Land Cruiser Freedom and Joy, highlights the nameplate’s adventurous and versatile nature.
The LC FJ sports an internal combustion engine (ICE) suitable for its 4×4 nature. It also features a differential lock, auto limited slip differential, second start mode, and a panoramic view monitor, exuding an anytime-ready rugged outdoors vibe.
It is powered by a 2.7L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system.
The FJ is built on a tough ladder-frame chassis with a classic swing-out rear tailgate and a trunk-mounted spare tire.
The vehicle starts at P2,235,000.
Next is the all-new LC300 HEV, set to redefine its legendary status with the “combination of the Land Cruiser 300’s proven durability, unmatched power and performance, and Toyota’s practical hybrid system added to its 3.5 V6 engine.”
Body upgrades include an aero body kit with Jet Black Garnish.
The vehicle is officially priced starting at P 6,930,000 for standard colors, reaching P 6,945,000 for the Precious White Pearl variant.
Other choices
Other choices on display at PIMS are, for one, the Toyota bZ4X, which starts at P2,699,000 for the standard Dark Blue Mica color. It is offered in a single all-wheel drive (AWD) variant, with price variations depending on your choice of paint.
The other is the Toyota Hilux GR Sport (GR-S) 2.8 4×4 A/T, priced between P2,460,000 and P 2,480,000.
There are also other Toyota models displayed at PIMS, which are placed outside of the World Trade Center building for a more “outdoorish look”, particularly the Next-Generation Toyota Tamaraw.
For those interested, do drop by today and see how the country’s biggest carmaker, along with its fellow established brands make a very persuasive statement.
