Toyota unveils Tamaraw modern ‘jeepney’

MANILA — Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has unveiled a locally manufactured version of its Next Generation Tamaraw on Tuesday, bringing the vehicle into the country’s public transport modernization program as a modern jeepney.   

The Japanese automaker said the Tamaraw has received official certification from the Department of Transportation as a Class 1 Modern Public Utility Vehicle (MPUV), designed to transport up to 11 passengers for intra-city travel. 

The vehicle was presented at TMP’s plant and headquarters in Santa Rosa City, Laguna, in an event attended by Japanese diplomats, government representatives, and transport cooperatives.   

“Today, we add an important missing piece: a jeepney. By becoming part of everyday public transportation, the Tamaraw becomes a true national car—a vehicle for all Filipinos and visitors to the Philippines,” said TMP President Masando Hashimoto.   

The project builds on a P5.5-billion investment by TMP focused on local vehicle production, parts localization, and body conversion capabilities. The company noted the platform has generated economic opportunities beyond its workforce for local vehicle designers, fabricators, body builders, and component suppliers.   

“We cannot do this alone. We need all of you—our government partners, suppliers, body builders, dealers, transport operators, and cooperatives,” Hashimoto urged during the unveiling.   

The vehicle’s entry into public transport coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan in 2026.   

“Seeing a vehicle from a Japanese brand, built here by Filipinos, take the form of a jeepney, is a meaningful expression of that friendship,” Hashimoto said.   

TMP reported producing 14,711 Tamaraw units in 2026 as of end-September, bringing cumulative output to 34,739 units since its 2024 launch. Industry data shows the model holds a 49 percent market share in the local one-ton and above segment.

The Tamaraw FX, which was introduced in the mid-1990s, became a very popular PUV, and was the basis for the new category of transport vehicles now called UV Express.