Despite a declining market share, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) still remains the country’s largest automaker with new record sales in 2009 of over 46,000 units, its highest in its 21-year history in the local market.

TMPC’s market share, however, has been on the decline in the past years. Its 2009 sales enabled the company to grab a 34.9 percent market share, but this was lower than 2008 market share of 36.9 percent and 38.2 percent in 2007.

Nonetheless, TMPC once again achieved its 8th consecutive triple crown by also being the leader in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles segments in 2009.

“This is a good conclusion for 2009 for us. We have recently surpassed our 600,000-unit cumulative sales mark in mid December, and our dealer network’s consistent strong performance pushed another milestone, setting a new sales record of over 46,000 units,” expressed Yuji Goto, TMPC executive vice president.

“As the leader in the local automotive industry, we are also happy that we remain consistent in achieving the Triple Crown, now for the 8th consecutive year. Despite numerous challenges the past year, including the global economic crisis, a couple of devastating calamities, and aggressive competitor efforts, we were still able to achieve these milestones,” Goto added.

Toyota dominated both passenger cars with 17,237 units and commercial vehicles with 28,956 units for the year. This includes 11,990 units of Vios and 10,328 units of Innova, two of the country’s best-selling vehicles.

For 2010, TMPC sees this year as a growth year.

“We forecast that the market will further grow if the positive trend continues. As far as Toyota is concerned, we will target to break another record next year and hopefully surpass this year’s sales,” added Goto.

The company earlier announced the introduction of new models starting with, Innova Sport Runner in January.

Aside from new product, TMPC plans to continue aggressive efforts prioritizing its locally-manufactured vehicles Vios and Innova, and promote affordability of their products with various financing schemes through their financial arm, Toyota Financial Services (TFS).

As a way of thanking its customers for these momentous achievements, Toyota launches the GREAT UPGREATS Raffle Promo and extends its SAVINGS SPREE Promo this January.