It seems that Toyota Motor Philippines will be assembling the all-new Vios sub-compact sedan locally, after all.
The Manila Bulletin
reports
that under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program, Toyota has applied for the local production of the full model change Vios.
As a participant to the CARS program, Toyota is required to localize the production of the body shell as well as large plastic parts and components.
Toyota’s Santa Rosa – Laguna assembly plant will assemble around 230,000 Vios models by 2024 in order to comply with the CARS program’s requirements.
The all-new Vios was
globally revealed last August
. It uses a new global architecture shared with the Avanza and Raize (DNGA). It is larger in every aspect compared to the current-generation model. The powertrains, if Toyota Motor Philippines continues the trend shown in other ASEAN countries, will be powered by new
1.3- (1NR-VE)
or
1.5-liter (2NR-VE)
4-cylinder engines mated to either a manual or CVT.
Aside from Toyota, the other CARS program participant, Mitsubishi will continue to produce the Mirage and Mirage G4 locally until 2023.
The Board of Investments (BOI) is looking to extend the six-year program, but only if Toyota and/or Mitsubishi could assemble another model altogether or offer a “value addition.”
Given that the all-new Vios shifts to a DNGA platform, there is a possibility that Toyota will aim to assemble either the Avanza or Raize locally. It could serve as a as a replacement to the just-launched
Innova Hybrid
(so far, the Santa Rosa assembly plant is not configured to assemble hybrids).
That said, the BOI said that the CARS program participants cannot expect any other additional incentives or additional government budget for the extension.
Both Toyota and Mitsubishi were asking for a three-year extension following the disruption in their operations during the pandemic period causing delays in their production schedule.
Keyword: Toyota Motor PH To Continue Assembling All-New Vios In The Philippines