Earlier today, Toyota Motor Philippines previewed the Tamaraw MPUV Class 1 conversion at its Santa Rosa, Laguna manufacturing plant and headquarters. The conversion uses the long wheelbase utility van configuration of the Tamaraw, which received approval to be used as a modernized PUV from the DOTr in May this year.
The Tamaraw MPUV conversion adds a substantial number of features. The rear passenger cabin seats 10 occupants and features handrails, air-conditioning, and onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi. The passenger cabin door has also been moved to the side, with a grab handle and stepboard present for better ease of access. Other additions include an automatic fare collection system for contactless payment and a CCTV system wired throughout the vehicle.
Under the hood, the Tamaraw MPUV uses the same 2.4-liter diesel engine found on the utility van Tamaraw. It makes 148hp and 343Nm of torque, and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. As with all Philippine-market Tamaraws and conversion packages, the Tamaraw MPUV will be built at Toyota’s Santa Rosa plant, and is priced at P1,389,000.
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Toyota shares that it gathered input and feedback from various stakeholders, including LGUs, national government agencies, and transport cooperatives to develop the Tamaraw MPUV. This is in line with the Japanese automaker’s vision of transforming the Tamaraw into the country’s ‘National Car.’
Representatives from various government agencies, the Embassy of Japan, and the Santa Rosa LGU were present at the preview event. Toyota Motor Philippines president Masando Hashimoto shared during his speech: “[The Tamaraw] supports livelihoods, serves communities, and gives people something to cheer for. 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.
“Through the Tamaraw MPUV, let us bring our strengths together to make everyday life better—for commuters, transport operators, and communities. That is how we want to contribute to the Philippines: by delivering something people can use, depend on, and truly value in their daily lives.”
There are also special incentives to help customers purchase the Tamaraw MPUV. TMP shared a matrix of financial tools to ease the financial challenge of owning this new Tamaraw. Most enticing is a P210,000 subsidy per unit for eligible TSEs (Transport Service Entity). There is also a 5% down payment and up to 84 months to pay through government banks. From Toyota Financial Services buyers can avail of a 10% down payment and up to 60 months to pay.
The Tamaraw MPUV is also set to make an appearance at the inaugural Philippine International Truck Show happening next week, October 22 to 24, at the SMX Convention Center. Other Tamaraw conversions will also be present at the show floor, with certain configurations available for test drive.
