Toyota has always adopted and provided top-notch products and services for the needs of Filipinos. Aside from targeting practical mobility solutions, the brand has truly touched the hearts of many through generations. A nameplate that comes to mind is the iconic Tamaraw.

As Toyota Motor Philippines pushes forward into developing a sustainable future, the brand recently showcased several conversion prototypes of the next-generation Tamaraw and the hydrogen-powered concept vehicle at the Malacañang Palace.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos got hands-on experience with these inspiring builds of the next-generation Tamaraw, and even got behind the wheel of the Corolla Cross Hydrogen Concept.

President Marcos shared his appreciation for Toyota’s dedication and passion for national progress and creating mobility for all during the courtesy visit of Toyota Motor Asia and TMP’s top executives.

He admired the brand’s continued investment in the country, such as the recent P5.5-billion venture into the locally assembled next-generation Tamaraw, also dubbed the Toyota Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) 0 (Zero). The initiative involves vehicle production, parts localization, and in-house vehicle conversion capability, highlighting the versatile Tamaraw which TMP aims to reintroduce as the next national car.

Furthermore, TMP presented its initiatives aligned with “Beyond Zero,” Toyota’s movement toward carbon neutrality—supporting the government’s clean-energy and low-carbon economy transition projects.

The Toyota Gazoo Racing-developed Corolla Cross H2 Concept is a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle (HICEV) that utilizes hydrogen gas sourced from a local producer and is filled up at hydrogen refueling stations.

This concept is a prime example of Toyota’s multifaceted approach toward advanced alternative transportation with possible zero carbon-dioxide emissions. With its growing xEV (electric vehicles and their extended variants) powertrain portfolio, Filipinos can expect more practical, safer, greener, and exciting mobility options in the near future.

To cap the occasion, President Marcos received a letter of intent from TMP to donate five converted units of the Tamaraw to be turned over to the government next year. The units, which will be converted to ambulances, will support the First Lady’s “Lab For All” health program.

Indeed, Toyota has come full circle in paving the way for a greener, cleaner future for all. We can only hope our culture evolves with the brand’s passion for such initiatives. The future is now.