Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) owners and operators can now add Toyota to their list of fleet vehicle considerations. Toyota Motor Philippines just gave a preview of the new Modern PUV body for the next-generation Tamaraw to select members of the media, government officials, and stakeholders.
The next-generation Toyota Tamaraw was given the green light earlier this year when the Department of Transportation granted it the Modern PUV certification. Toyota also listened to various local government units, transport cooperatives, operatives, and government agencies that led to the creation of the Tamaraw MPUV.
The preview of the Tamaraw MPUV at the TMP Santa Rosa Plant marked a significant milestone in Toyota’s vision of positioning the Tamaraw as the country’s “National Car”. Representatives from the Embassy of Japan, Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, the LTFRB, LTO, and the LGU of Santa Rosa were present to witness Toyota’s approach to public transportation and community mobility.
It measures 5,060mm long, 1,782mm wide, and 2,223mm tall. That gives the Tamaraw MPUV enough legspace at the center when occupants are of average height, and there’s also more than enough headroom in the cabin. It can accommodate 2 people in front (driver included) while the rear can have as much as 10 people comfortably.
The Tamaraw MPUV is powered by a 2.4L diesel engine and has modern amenities. The rear has a Reverse Camera and an Emergency Exit via the huge window. The cabin has an aircon, 4G Wi-Fi, Automated Fare Collection System, CCTV with 5-inch monitor, Emergency Hammer for the rear glass, Hand Rails, and Grab Handle for the passengers.
Locally manufactured in the Philippines, the Toyota Tamaraw MPUV is supporting local employment and directly contributes to the country’s economy. The cab and chassis is made in Toyota’s local manufacturing plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna, while the body is made by another local builder – Almazora Motors Corporation.
To date, the Tamaraw is available in 6 body styles from Toyota’s in-house options. This includes Ambulance, Aluminum Cargo, Dropside, Race Vehicle, Telco Van, and Utility Van. There are 7 more options from Toyota’s partner builders that lets you have a Fire Truck, Food Truck, Mobile Store, Patrol Vehicle, Refrigerator Van, Wing Van, and this latest Modern PUV.
“The Tamaraw is a workhorse—and a racehorse. It supports livelihoods, serves communities, and gives people something to cheer for. Today, we add an important missing piece: a jeepney. By becoming part of everyday public transportation, the Tamaraw becomes a true national car—a vehicle for all Filipinos,” said Toyota Motor Philippines President Masando Hashimoto during his speech at the preview event.
The Tamaraw MPUV will be available for PHP 1,389,000. Toyota is offering in-house financing for 10% downpayment and up to 60 months amortization. Qualified Transport Service Entities (TSEs) are eligible for a PHP 210,000 subsidy per unit. They’ll also get a lower downpayment of 5% and up to 84 months payment scheme.
The public will see the Tamaraw MPUV at the upcoming 2026 Philippine International Truck Summit (PITS) on October 22-24 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. It will be the Tamaraw MPUV’s official launch along with other Tamaraw conversion units. Event goers will also have the chance to test drive the Tamaraw, giving them first-hand experience.
