Toyota Autoparts Philippines (TAP) this week marked the start of its exports of transmission assemblies to Japan with a ceremony at its manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, together with Trade and Industry Secretary Cesar Purisima graced the celebration that marked a milestone in achieving the highest quality standards of Japan. TAP already exports transmission assemblies to Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and South Africa.
Executives from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) in Japan led by Honorary Chairman Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda and Senior Managing Director Mr. Akio Toyoda also attended the event.
"We are proud that these Philippine-made transmission assemblies are now a major component of the Toyota Global Supply Network," said TAP Chairman George S.K. Ty in his welcome remarks. "This shows our commitment towards the development of the automotive industry. As a result, we also support the growth of a strong local supplier base, in line with the government’s thrust of promoting SMEs."
"One primary task that we have set up for ourselves is to enhance our contribution to the Philippine economy by expanding exports from the Philippines," said TMC’s Dr. Shoichiro Toyoda. "To fulfill this aim, we have now decided to start exporting automotive transmissions to Japan."
Dr. Toyoda explained that the new venture has come about because TAP-made transmissions now possess the same level of performance in terms of quality and cost as Japanese-made units.
"TAP has also been assigned by Toyota the role of a production base for the global market," added Dr. Toyoda.
Dr. Ty pointed out that the project is a culmination of the commitment of Toyota Motor Corporation president Fujio Cho to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during their meeting last October 2002 at the Toyota plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Since then, Toyota had embarked on new investments for plant modernization and production of new transmission models. The Toyota Group has already invested
R15.36 billion and plans to invest an additional R7.2 billion for capacity improvements and plant expansions in 2004 to 2006.
"The Toyota Group exports reached US$373 million in 2003 and forecasts these to grow to US$379 million in 2004, and nearly US$400 million in 2005," added Dr. Ty.
"Toyota is determined to help the Philippine auto industry grow, and to contribute to the Philippine economy in the years to come," assured Dr. Toyoda. He also asked for the continued provision of guidance, assistance, and cooperation from government agencies and business partners.
