In speaking with many different electric vehicle manufacturers lately, we have come to realize a few things.
For one, though the technology is increasingly global, the experience is completely local, if not personal.
For another, there are widely different views on the different technologies. Some say full electric is not an answer while others say hybrids are a complete loss. Some refuse to move from internal combustion, others refuse to leave it. These views are based on personal experience or the lack thereof. Someone recently said that plug-in hybrids were a sham because in certain European markets, they were heavily subsidized so people bought them but never charged them at home, thereby using underpowered engines that create even more pollution. Others say they love the fact that their hybrid car fuel bill is almost now-existent now.
Toyota has always looked more at the end result and end user than the technology. They have always said that their main thrust is to provide the proper technology for the proper use and environment, and to ideally give the consumer a choice.
That choice is wider than ever now. The current Toyota and Lexus lineups give you choices from full internal combustion to full electric, and the hybrids in-between. We see the points of all. We love the familiarity of use and even the romance of internal combustion, we love the peacefulness and structure of the full electrics, we love what is probably the sweet spot for the current consumer that is the hybrids. Additionally, most of the world doesn’t have the “car ban” issues that the Philippine driver faces that, let’s face it, are a primary pull for electrified car choices.
Toyota Motor Philippines marks their 35th year with several new offerings and activities. The biggest draw for their event last weekend in BGC was the presentation and test driving of the new Yaris Cross, which is available as a full internal combustion vehicle or as, as Toyota proudly says, its most affordable Hybrid Electric Vehicle yet. The Yaris Cross is following on the heels of the success of the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which many consider the game-changer vehicle for Philippine electrification. The new car comes in more affordably but also with what many are saying is a package of accessories that more modern buyers look for.
Full electrification for the weekend came with Lexus, who also presented the range of choices for premium luxury vehicles. The all-electric RZ 450e was on hand to help the public better understand the electric experience, surrounded by other more familiar hybrid vehicles and special experiences for guests from the likes of Matcha Tokyo and premium menswear specialist The Signet Store.
Later this month, TMP is hosting what they call a two-day TGR (Toyota Gazoo Racing) Fest. This is a nod to the more enthusiast side of the brand. And a nod to the person who fought hard to bring the enthusiast passion back to the forefront of the brand. Indeed, that person will be in Manila and in car in the form of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda. He who used to race quietly under the name Morizo before he was found out. He will be joined at the event by other Japanese champion racers from the Toyota Gazoo Racing Team Norihiko Katsuta and Masahiro Sausalito. And they will be bringing toys, some race cars including the Toyota WRC Yaris and the Corolla D1. Other cars on track will be the GR Supra, GR Yaris and GR 86. Bringing passion further into the Toyota fold for the fest will be performers like Ely Buendia, Ben&Ben, Parokya ni Edgar, and Kamikazee.
Years ago, Akio Toyoda said that he felt that people would still love cars, but in a different way. They would love cars for what they allow us to do, for how they make us feel doing the things we do, for reflecting our values and identities. With such a wide variety of choices and indeed types of propulsion, Toyota seems to be intent on doing just that.
By giving us choices.
