Toyota showed how it can let you have your cake and eat it too by showcasing the seemingly contradictory attributes of environment-friendliness and performance at last week’s four-day Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center.
After a four-year hiatus (the 2020 edition was canceled due to the pandemic), the bi-annual PIMS was back with the theme of Mobility + Humanity: Innovating for the Common Good.
Toyota’s display elegantly embodied the theme with a showcase of its wide range of fuel-efficient self-charging hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the Corolla Cross, Altis, RAV 4 and Camry. As the pioneer in electrified mobility in the country, Toyota exhibited its HEVs as part of its commitment to sustainability towards carbon neutrality.
Meanwhile, dramatically serving as a dynamic counterpoint to their earth-friendlty siblings were Toyota’s high-performance Gazoo Racing models in the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and the recently launched GR 86. The motorsports flavor served up by the GR models was further heightened by models clad in black-and-red racing overalls. Visitors who wanted that racing fix expanded their thrilling experience by visiting the GR Garage, where GR GT Cup racing rigs were installed for them to enjoy sim racing games.
Toyota’s participation at PIMS served as an exhibit of its wide selection of automobiles and services and as a showcase of innovations made not only to move people from one destination to another but, more importantly, to help improve the human experience overall.
Test drive units of Toyota Hybrid cars like Camry, Corolla Altis, Corolla Cross and RAV4 gave visitors the chance to experience the beauty of sustainable driving. Other Toyota models such as the Vios GR-S, Fortuner GR-S, Avanza, Veloz and Raize proved to be in-demand among showgoers who wanted to experience Toyota’s newest and most popular vehicles.
The recently inaugurated Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines Inc. also had its booths to exhibit TMS mobility products and services like Kinto One and myTOYOTA shuttle.
Still part of Toyota’s goal of empowering local MSMEs, the all-new Lite Ace—in Lite Ace FX Van and Lite Ace Food Truck configurations—were on display at the outdoor area of the World Trade Center.
Last but far from least, Toyota made perhaps the literally loudest noise at the World Trade Center, with a short yet spectacular number from rock icon Ely Buendia, which brought the house down. The sight of car executives and staff from other car brands flocking to the Toyota booth to witness the Filipino rock star—ahead of an impending reunion concert by the band, Eraserheads—was truly a sight to behold.
“We are proud to support and be part of PIMS as it has always been a perfect avenue for Toyota to showcase its latest innovations and affirm its commitment to shape the future of mobility together with the passionate community of customers, brand fans and car enthusiasts,” TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Service Operations, Sherwin Chualim said. “This year, we are delighted to be at the forefront of yet another shift in the automotive industry—one that gives car owners the power to make a realistic contribution to creating a more sustainable world through a choice of accessible and practical electrified vehicles ready to make a difference today.”