Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) formally installed Atsuhiro Okamoto as TMP’s new president taking over the helm from Satoru Suzuki. The ceremony was witnessed by members of the business community, as well as top Toyota executives from the region and its affiliates.
Toyota Motor Philippines President Atsuhiro Okamoto | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
“As TMP’s new president, I would like to reiterate to all TMP Team Members, dealers and suppliers alike, the importance of dedicating our work to contribute to society. We will continuously do so by providing ever better cars and services to enhance the quality of life of Filipinos,” said Okamoto.
Former Toyota Motor Philippines President Satoru Suzuki| Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
In his farewell speech, Suzuki thanked Toyota customers who put their trust in the brand, saying, “You are the reason for Toyota’s passion to be always better.” Suzuki left TMP on a high note with a record-breaking market share of 39.5% and its 18th consecutive Triple Crown by the end of 2019. TMP’s business also grew with the introduction of new Toyota models and the addition of 23 dealers to its distribution network.
Mr. Alfred V. Ty, TMP Chairman | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
For his part, TMP chairman Alfred V. Ty thanked stakeholders for their support of Toyota’s business in the Philippines for over 30 years now. Ty underscored Toyota’s sustained commitment to nation-building, especially through local automotive manufacturing. “Because of your unwavering support and friendship, we have been able to remain true to our promise of service to the Filipino and the Philippine nation,” Ty said. In his message, Ty highlighted TMP’s investments under the Government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy or CARS Program, which has already reached 5.42 Billion pesos, enabling the transfer of technology, employment generation, and skills development, among others. Ty also thanked the government for the CARS Program because it gave Toyota an indispensable role in enhancing the industrial and manufacturing capability of the country.
Toasting newly installed TMP President Okamoto : (L to R) Hon. Bgen. Charito Plaza, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General; Mr. Tatsuji Hidaka, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.1st Motor Vehicles Division General Manager; Hon. Franklin Drilon, Senate Minority Leader; Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto; Mr. Yoshihiro Sawa, Toyota Daihatsu Engineering & Manufacturing President; Mr. Yoshihiro Nakata, Toyota Asia Region CEO; Amb. Koji Haneda, Ambassador, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Japan to the Philippines; Mr. Alfred V. Ty, TMP Chairman; Mr. Satoru Suzuki, Former TMP President; Hon. Ramon Lopez, DTI Secretary; Hon. Salvador Panelo, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel & Presidential Spokesperson; Hon. Aquilino“Koko” Pimentel III, Senator of the Philippines; Dr. David Go, TMP Vice-Chairman | Photo by Charlie Cruz
Globally, Toyota is transforming into a mobility company, taking its cue from Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda’s direction. Toyota’s concept of the automobile will continue to change in the current era of innovations, particularly in terms of connectivity, automation, shared mobility, and electrification. With such new technologies, Toyota aims to develop communities that are not just centered on “cars” but on “people.” In the Philippines, where the population is huge and the economy is fast-growing, mobility needs will continue to evolve and become vital to socio-economic development.
Atsuhiro Okamoto graduated from Keio University in Tokyo, Japan, with a degree in Economics. He started his career at Toyota Motor Corporation in 1992 and gained his marketing experience from handling Toyota and Lexus brands in the past 28 years. His former assignment as executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, likewise, gave him a closer understanding of the ASEAN market and the Philippines.
For more information about Toyota in the Philippines, visit www.toyota.com.ph.
| Photo by Charlie Cruz