The Toyota Camry is the people’s choice for the mid-size sedan according to the recently-concluded 2008 Petron-Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards. The Previa and Innova, on the other hand, were runners-up in the minivan and AUV categories respectively.
TMPC EVP Yuji Goto received the 2008 Midsize Sedan Category Award for the Camry as presented by Ms. Pinky Colmenares, Motoring Editor of Manila Bulletin and a member of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists. (Official Photo provided by AFPC organizers).
Launched in 2006, the Auto Focus People’s Choice (AFPC) awards aims to provide opportunity for motorists to be more familiar with automotive products and for car makers to make wiser choices by comparing products available in the market. With its voting and Motorshow exhibit components, these objectives were realized. The active participation of the biggest automotive manufacturers played a vital role in the success of the event, with the spirit of friendly competition.
During the AFPC Motorshow last November 25 to December 1 held in Fort Bonifacio, Toyota displayed its best-selling models, the International Innovative Multipurose Vehicles (IMV) composed of the Innova, Hilux and Fortuner, together with the all-new Corolla Altis. Test drives of the said models were likewise made available to customers.
During the event, TMPC, as the biggest car company in the country and a strong advocate of road safety, also sponsored the Auto Focus Gymkhana Precision competition. The competition’s objectives of reminding the public that driving is not all about speed, but about precision and safety in various driving conditions such as parking, turning, and slalom were important factors for road safety, not just for the driver but for other vehicles and pedestrians on the road as well. Over a hundred participants of the Gymkhana competition experienced the superior handling and maneuverability, and smart compact size of the Vios 1.3-liter, the official vehicle used during the competition.
Toyota salutes the organizers of the Auto Focus People’s Choice awards for the success of the event, and supports its goals of educating the public about vehicle choices and road safety. TMPC is the biggest and leading automotive company in the country with sales of 41,997 units and 36.7 percent market share as of November 2008. Toyota distributes the country’s top 4 best-selling vehicles composed of the locally-manufactured Vios and Innova, together with the Avanza and Fortuner. In November alone, Toyota sold over 4,130 units, registering its record-breaking monthly market share of 42.2 percent.
For more information about Toyota and its products and services, please visit your nearest Toyota dealer or log on to www.toyota.com.ph.
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Amid the increasing number of road incidents around the country, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP), in cooperation with Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) and the UP-National Center for Transportation Studies (UP-NCTS), in coordination with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), held a multi-sectoral “Road Safety Partnership” conference on November 20, 2008 at the Heritage Hotel Manila.
The conference featured presentations from road safety experts and leaders. Apart from sharing best practices in road safety programs, the conference also aims to increase awareness of the National Road Safety Action Plan and to secure support and cooperation for the Global Road Safety Partnerships (GRSP) Philippines Project.
The line-up of speakers was headed by guest-of-honor DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza, with DOTC undersecretary for Road Transport Anneli Lontoc, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Thompson Lantion, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Alberto Suansing, and LTO Traffic Safety Division head Daisy Jacobo.
Also in the conference were representatives from the GRSP, a Geneva-based programme of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) that brings together government, the private sector and civil society organizations to address road safety issues in low- and middle-income countries; and the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP), an international organization dedicated to saving lives in developing countries by promoting safer road design.
The “Road Safety Partnership” conference is the latest in a series of road traffic safety conferences organized by the collaboration among AAP, Toyota, and the UP-NCTS to achieve road and traffic safety. The conferences, with the participation of relevant government agencies and NGOs, discuss safety concerns aimed at formulating action plans to achieve the desired road environment for the public, the children, and the future generations of road users.
This series of conferences have led to the launch of the country’s first traffic safety model zone. Through Toyota’s partnership with AAP and working closely with the UP-NCTS, the UP Traffic Model Zone was launched at the sprawling University of the Philippines grounds in Diliman, Quezon City earlier this year. The project, with an initial budget of P5 million, aims to make the UP-Diliman campus a model of an ideal road traffic management zone that can be emulated in any part of the country.
Part of this road traffic safety project is the Toyota Training Room at the NCTS Building in UP-Diliman. The Toyota Training Room, a fully-equipped training facility for nationwide road safety-related programs, is now the venue of the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Bus Drivers Seminars organized by the LTFRB where drivers undergo courses on road traffic safety, values formation, public and customer relations, incidents and emergency procedures, fatigue and stress management, and franchising and road laws, among others.
Another conference breakthrough resulting from the collaboration is the “24/7 AAP Road Safety Call Center” that allows motorists and road users to report road and traffic hazards.
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Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Corporation announces the launch of the new and improved 2008 RAV4. The enhancements of the compact SUV aims to further strengthen Toyota’s position as the number one automotive company in the country and in the Commercial Vehicle (CV) segment.
The new 2008 RAV4 is still equipped by the powerful yet fuel efficient 2.4-liter VVT-I engine, as acquired from the 2006 model. Both the 4WD and 2WD variants are hauled with a maximum output of 170ps/6,000rpm and maximum torque of 224Nm/4,000rpm.
These features coupled with this year’s interior and exterior modifications make the RAV4 a testimony to Toyota’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Exterior Developments
The exterior of the 2008 RAV4 incorporates a fresh look with a lengthened front bumper, a revitalized radiator grille, trendier multi-reflector fog lamps with plated rings, and a rear bumper upgraded with a scuff plate. Its “hunting eye” projector design for the headlamps now directs low beam illumination and its Light-emitting diode (LED) rear combination lamps are made brighter for better visibility.
The outside rear view mirrors, which feature power retraction and heaters, are integrated with outside turn lamps and are water repellant.
Interior Revolutions
The sophisticated interior of the 2008 RAV4 is heightened with the dark silver brushed metallic dashboard. A more controlled side register is crafted by the three (3) fins and the audio unit is characterized by a 6 CD in dash. The three-tiered optitron is also a part of the re-engineered feel with its new design. In addition, the parking brake buzzer further reinforces the RAV4’s stance in safety.
The 2008 RAV4 is now available in the market and available in two variants, both in 4-speed automatic transmission in 2.4-litre VVT-i engine. The 4X4 variant is priced at P1,805,000 (P1,820,000 for white pearl models) and the 4X2 is priced at P1,445,000 (P1,460,000 for white pearl models). Colors offered are White Pearl Crystal Shine, Graying Blue Metallic, Silver Metallic, Beige Metallic and Black. Please visit any of the Toyota dealerships nationwide for more information.
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