Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the country’s largest automotive company, expressed hope that the Electric Vehicle Incentives Strategy (EVIS) would be complemented by the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) Program, which is intended to support the local manufacturing of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles for broader economic impact.
TMP said in a statement that it welcomed Malacañang’s issuance of Administrative Order No. 121 on the EVIS program, describing it as a significant milestone for the entire automotive industry.
However, TMP said EVIS could have a broader economic impact if it is implemented alongside RACE, as both programs lay the foundation for high-value manufacturing.
By implementing both performance-based programs, TMP said the government could generate broader economic benefits beyond the automotive sector, while safeguarding thousands of Filipino jobs and supporting local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“EVIS reinforces the Philippine government’s dual strategy for industry development—developing the emerging electrified vehicle (xEV) sector while further sustaining and advancing capabilities built around conventional powertrain vehicle manufacturing industry,” said TMP.
Earlier, Jose Maria “Jing” Atienza, TMP executive president and president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), said the domestic automotive industry has not given up hope that the government will still consider the RACE program.
“Both are important. So, as a CAMPI, our position is what’s good for the customers because there’s demand for ICE’s, especially for the likes of micro, small and medium enterprises looking for their pickup trucks or low engine displacement vehicles,” he said.
“We hope that the government will consider RACE in support of ICE production as well. Of course CAMPI is always hopeful that they reconsider,” he said.
Atienza noted the continuing demand for multipurpose and commercial vehicles such as the Toyota Tamaraw, Mitsubishi L300, one-ton pickup trucks, and smaller-displacement vehicle models.
He said these types of commercial vehicles remain popular and serve an important purpose, particularly in the provinces.
