New breed of racers trained at the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines

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Motorsports enthusiasts feel the thrill of the tracks with the Vios OMR cars

A fleet of the trusted Toyota Vios in its One-Make-Race build used by participants in the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Philippines 2022.

Continuing its mission of promoting motorsports and igniting a passion for the sport among Filipinos, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy (TGRA) Philippines is back this year for yet another run. TGRA is part of leading mobility company Toyota Motor Philippines’ motorsports program in conjunction with its one-make-race series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

TGRA aims to provide an avenue for race enthusiasts to get started on the sport through practical training led by industry professionals. This 2022, TGRA welcomed a number of neophytes and first-time racers to the tracks.

“What’s very important about having these newcomers join the class is it means that there is really a lot of interest out there to participate,” said JP Tuason, lead instructor for TGRA.

The importance of the race academy

Being the first and only program of its kind in the Philippines, the TGRA aims to offer a platform for aspiring racers and motorsports fans to get a professional training combined with a heart-racing driving experience.

“Through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy, we give our students a proper, safer venue instead of them racing on the streets. At the same time, they will learn the proper way of driving. I think it’s a very good program for Toyota to reach out to the young ones,” said Ferdinand Ong, race director for the Toyota GAZOO Racing Vios Cup and one of the instructors during the TGRA class.

TGRA is divided into two levels. The first level teaches racers the basics of driving a car geared for racing. Activities during the level one training include braking, follow-the-leader, and slalom exercises. The level two class is designed to teach more advanced racing skills for those looking to become professional racers. With these specialized lessons, Toyota aims to push the limits of participants for them to become better drivers.

Drawn together by their love for racing, Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy participants gathered to learn and race at the Clark Speedway.

For the love of racing

Drawn together by their love for racing, racing students, both young and young-at-heart, zoomed through the Clark Speedway during the TGRA classes.

“When I got the chance to join the Academy this year, I jumped at that opportunity,” said Carla Lizardo, one of the participants during the 2021 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup Autocross Challenge. “I love it, I was able to learn so much in a day. I really wanted to dive into the details of racing and I got that today.”

Felvin Gurrea, a participant who took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA, also shared his thoughts on the experience. “Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy is really helpful because it teaches you the basics before you move to the next step in racing. It’s a very organized racing academy and they take care of you until you learn,” he said.

Felvin, who is set to compete in the upcoming 2022 Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup, recorded the fastest time and was recognized as first placer in the slalom exercise during theTGRA class. When asked why he joined the Academy and why he looks forward to the upcoming Vios Cup, he answered simply: “I love the challenge, the thrill and the adrenaline.”

Felvin Gurrea took both level 1 and 2 training sessions with TGRA and is set to compete in the 2022 Toyota Vios Cup.

The TGRA classes also proved to be a unique shared experience with the family for several participants. Father and son Darwyn and Ethan Mercado both joined the TGRA and raced side-by-side during the classes.

“What I really treasure is the time together,” said Darwyn. “We would like to thank Toyota for bringing this kind of program to the Philippines. For my son and I, this has been a bonding experience.”

Similarly, Jesse and Joshua Marquez also attended the TGRA event at the Clark Speedway together. Joshua is an avid fan and participant of motorsports activities, including cart racing and simulation racing. This year, Joshua has decided to venture into car racing, thus joining the TGRA. Having driven the Clark Speedway via simulator in the past, Joshua says that driving it in real life is at once a new but familiar feeling.

“Experiencing that for the first time is surreal. It’s a pinch-yourself-moment that I’m actually here,” Joshua said.

Jesse, who came to support his son Joshua during the classes, expressed that TGRA was a step towards Joshua’s dreams of joining the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Cup.

“I wanted Joshua to try the academy first before transitioning from cart to car,” Jesse shared. “As far as I’m concerned, whatever his dreams are, we support him as a family.

Ready, set, start!

For those looking to jump start their journey towards professional racing, TGRA Philippines continues to accept participants for the 2022 classes.

“We believe that the racing class is not only an experience but also an investment. By coming to the class, they invest in themselves to become better drivers,” said JP Tuason. “Whether you want to become a professional race car driver or you just want to become a better driver on the road – this is the place to start.”

The next session of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Academy Level 1 will once again take place at the Clark Speedway on June 26, 2022. To apply you may register through the following link.

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Follow TMP’s official pages – Toyota Motor Philippines on Facebook and Instagram, toyota.com.ph, Twitter (ToyotaMotorPH), and Viber (Toyota PH) – for regular updates on products and services, dealer operations, announcements, and events. Download the myTOYOTA PH app for Android and iOS for all your Toyota needs, from car selection, to car care, maintenance and upgrades.

Own the power to lead with the Philippines’ best-selling SUV

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Those with the power to lead choose the Philippines’ best-selling SUV

 

Toyota Motor Philippines, the country’s top automotive company and a firm believer in the value of “kaizen” (Japanese term that means constant improvement), aims to always deliver the highest level of quality across its offerings. From this same mindset originates the Toyota Fortuner – the vehicle of choice for Filipinos with the power to lead.

 

Embodying top-notch qualities and delivering a next-level driving experience, the Toyota Fortuner has earned kingship within its category. The Fortuner never missed the list of the country’s top-selling 7-seater SUVs every year. It has been hailed as the best-selling SUV in the Philippines, having sold more than 230,000 units since 2005.

Peak performance fit for a segment king

 

A perfect match for brave business owners and visionary young professionals paving their way to a better future, each Fortuner safely guides its owners and passengers as they lead their everyday lives. Arch. Wilbye Manlutac, can attest to the reliability and trustworthiness of his SUV.

 

Arch. Wilbye Manlutac, attests to the reliability of the Toyota Fortuner since 2007 to present.

 

“My family first owned a 2007 model of the Fortuner before switching to the 2018 model. The older model’s reliability and efficiency served as our main reason for getting the newer version.” Arch. Wilbye shared. “Having experienced two models of the Fortuner, I can say that Toyota does an amazing job designing cars that deliver on both function and form. Luxury and comfort are definitely something that the Fortuner offers at the perfect balance.”

 

The perfect balance between function and comfort of the Fortuner convinced Arch. Wilbye Manlutac (middle) and his family to patronize the model

 

A leader knows how to perform -- wherever life’s roads may go. Being the king in its class and having been present on Philippine roads for over 15 years, the Fortuner has proven its capability to adapt to new challenges and an ever-changing terrain.

 

The power to surmount every obstacle is in a leader’s DNA, as portrayed by the Fortuner’s dynamic and fuel-efficient engine. The 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC Variable Nozzle Turbo with air-cooled Intercooler engine under a Fortuner’s hood is more than capable of bringing its owner through great distance and to great heights.

 

Beyond this, the Fortuner also promises safety -- a universal and fundamental quality among all Toyota vehicles. The Fortuner commits to deliver ease of use and peace of mind with its combination of advanced passive and active safety features. Certain variants also have the Toyota Safety Sense, which equips the Fortuner with Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Other safety additions available for select variants of the Fortuner are the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

 

Premier power and perks

 

Being ahead of the pack entails knowing how to work hard but also when to play hard. Flexibility spells the difference for those that excel. Being well-equipped for various driving situations, the Fortuner is a worthy companion, whether on new ventures or on daily journeys– as attested to by Crysler David, a Toyota Fortuner owner since 2019.

 

“My fondest memories with Lisha (my Fortuner’s name) are the long drives I’ve taken with it. Driving Lisha to exciting places like La Union and Pangasinan with my friends is always an adventure,” Crysler said.

 

Lisha, Crysler’s Fortuner, has been with him since 2019 and has accompanied him through various travels.

 

The Fortuner possesses components that are convenient for road trips and out-of-towns such as a spacious trunk, a stable and adventurous stance and a powerful engine. Select variants of the vehicle also introduce new functional power features such as the Kick Sensor, which enables the boot to open automatically with a simple foot movement to make loading equipment and baggage easier. These features make the Fortuner the vehicle of choice for those who love to enjoy life’s most thrilling moments

 

A leader on all fronts

 

True frontrunners set the tone for greatness from the very first impression. The Toyota Fortuner does the same effectively with its striking exterior and signature commanding appearance which emanate confidence and elegance for its owner.

 

The Fortuner’s premium features go beyond its sleek colorways, machine cut alloy wheels, exclusive bumper designs, and top-quality headlights and turn signals. The vehicle’s interior also offers immersive styling and progressive technology. The inside of the Toyota Fortuner – with variants that boast accented leather seats, interior illumination system and 9-speaker JBL sound system paired with Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility feature -- is designed to make every passenger at home, wherever the destination may be.

 

From the outside in, the Toyota Fortuner aims to inspire luxury with its dynamic exterior and premium interior.

 

With all these and more, the Fortuner proves to be a staunch companion -- whether when leading in life’s literal and figurative highroads or when leading every new adventure. So, for those who deserve the power, performance and perks of being a leader, the Fortuner proves to be the best automotive partner. Score the best deals for the Toyota Fortuner through the myTOYOTA app or by visiting Toyota’s official website.

Toyota Motor Philippines pursues environment protection by Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

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In celebration of World Nature Conservation Day, Toyota empowers Filipinos to protect and preserve nature for the next generation

More people around the world are taking concrete action to contribute to saving the environment. In celebration of World Nature Conservation Day, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), a leading automotive company in the country, reaffirms its commitment to the environment through continuous sustainability efforts through the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050.

Consistent with TMP’s mission to protect the environment, the company’s Environmental Management System aims to ensure the conservation and protection of the environment by establishing and maintaining a holistic approach in the management system for all TMP stakeholders to achieve the TEC 2050. Its approach covers the vehicle life cycle and business processes that can impact environmental performance based on the company’s targets.

TEC 2050 hopes to address six challenges that impact TMP’s new products and technologies and the community:

• New Vehicle Zero CO2 Emission
• Life Cycle Zero CO2 Emission
• Plant Zero CO2 Emission
• Minimizing and optimizing water usage
• Establishing a Recycling-based Society and Systems
• Establishing a Future Society in Harmony with Nature

As Toyota continues its sustainability efforts across the world, TMP implements measures to help solve the environmental problems in the Philippines caused by humans or natural disasters. TMP, together with its local suppliers and dealers, practices proactive measures to ensure its EMS and TEC2050 goal of zero or negative carbon footprint is achieved.

“Toyota Motor Philippines is committed to long-term sustainability to contribute to the development of the society as outlined in the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 or TEC2050. TEC2050 is our roadmap to achieve a positive impact on the environment by the year 2050,” TMP President Atsuhiro Okamato said.

Innovate next-generation vehicles

To pursue its vision of vehicles with minimal impact to the environment, Toyota has been developing next-generation vehicles with low or even zero CO2 emission. In the Philippines, TMP has been offering since 2009 different hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) options to Filipinos, including the Altis Hybrid and Cross.

While TMP has been expanding its HEV product line-up, it also has been using HEVs internally as service vehicles for Team Members. Likewise, it already converted 98 percent of production forklift vehicles to battery-powered and rechargeable one.

Aim for zero together

TMP also works closely with its suppliers and other business partners to achieve sustainability goals. TMP-EMS enhances the eco-design system from purchasing through logistics, embracing the use of renewable energy options to reduce CO2 emissions to improving packaging materials.

TMP also works with dealers to monitor and reduce CO2 emissions through kaizen and renewable energy.

Move to solar energy

Toyota hopes to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change by turning to alternative sources of energy. In line with its goal of Plant Zero CO2 Emission in its manufacturing plant, TMP has installed a 1 Megawatt Solar Array in Santa Rosa, Laguna, which supplies 4 percent of plant’s power supply.

TMP continues to seek for alternative technologies and power sources that can adopted. Currently, the company plans to upgrade this with another 0.5 MW Solar Array. With this additional solar power, the company could cut electricity and CO2 to 718,200 kWh per year and 380,569 kg per year, respectively.

Improve wastewater management

Recognizing the growing global need for the limited water supply and keen to conserve this essential resource, TMP recycles water at its manufacturing site. It also harvests rainwater.

The company’s wastewater treatment plant can treat 55 cubic meters per hour of industrial wastewater with an upgraded membrane bioreactor technology. This enables TMP to promote sustainability at its operations by eliminating wastewater, establishing systems that use recycled water and increasing awareness about water conservation. TMP also enjoins its major suppliers and dealers to practice the same initiatives.

Build a recycling-based community

Besides using green technology in its production process, TMP is committed to practicing sustainable and eco-friendly practices across the company. It implements zero single-use plastic in its cafeteria and proper segregation of waste in all offices. In addition, waste minimization and recycling are carried out in both TMP plants and offices.

Through these simple daily practices, employees are encouraged to reduce their use of plastic, recycle and segregate things, encouraging them to be more responsible citizens in or out of TMP’s premises.

Establish a society in harmony with nature

What would be a better way to spend one’s work hours than in a place close to nature?

TMP provides its employees with opportunities to unwind, relax and appreciate the beauty of nature even while working. The company’s 11-hectare eco-forest located inside the Toyota Special Economic Zone in Sta. Rosa Laguna lets employees take a quick break from work to breathe and be one with nature.

The eco-forest likewise helps sustain biodiversity in the area with its growing range of flora and fauna.

The company is also very active in conducting different reforestation activities both in the upland and shoreline. Just recently, TMP adopted 10 hectares of mangrove area in Lian, Batangas which is part of the Verde Island Passage considered as the center of the center of marine shoreline biodiversity in the world.

Eyeing a sustainable future

Protecting the environment for the future generation is a goal accomplished by people working hand-in-hand.

In addition to implementing sustainable manufacturing practices, TMP helps control carbon emissions by providing consumers with an alternative mobility solution through TMP’s hybrid electric vehicle solution that enables consumers to carry out their daily activities without harming the environment further.

Toyota Motor Philippines is committed to sharing its expertise, innovations and experiences in sustainability with its partners and the community to achieve the common goal of a sustainable future for all.

Road-trip ready vehicles in Wheels : Toyota FJ Cruiser transforms into a capable off-roader

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Is your automobile adventure-ready? 

This week in Wheels, join the audacious team of motoring journalists Matteo Guidicelli, Kap Maceda Aguila, Manny Delos Reyes, Ulysses Ang and Angel Rivero as they take some of the country’s road trip and off-road vehicles for a spin.

First, Matteo learns how to transform the stunning Toyota FJ Cruiser into a capable off-roader. He will also show how to make the adventure vehicle look even tougher and more ready for action outdoors. 

Meanwhile, the entire Philippine STAR team goes on a food trip in the country’s culinary capital, Pampanga, aboard the all-new Toyota Innova. Witness the car’s power and superior performance on the road and find out why it is the perfect vehicle for road trips. 

For car racers, join Uly as he visits Crossfit MNL and tries to get fit like a racing driver. He will also share tips on how to prepare your body to prevent injuries while racing. 

It’s all these and more on the fourth season of Wheels, your guide to life on the fast lane. 

Catch it every Thursdays, 10:30 p.m., on ABS-CBN Sports + Action Channel. For firsthand info on the latest happenings in motoring, like and follow Wheels on facebook.com/PhilStarWheels, @PhilStar_Wheels on Twitter and @PhilStarTV_Wheels on Instagram.