The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has just certified the new Toyota Tamaraw under the PUV modernization program. This will effectively allow the vehicle to be used for public transportation and other shared mobility uses.
We can likely expect to see jeepneys, UV Express units, and perhaps even TNVS vehicles built from the 14-seater Utility Van LWB configuration. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) also sells a shorter version that can accommodate up to 12 occupants.
TMP president Masando Hashimoto announced the certification through his public Facebook profile. “We’re happy to share that DOTr has officially granted Toyota the ‘Modern PUV’ certification for the Tamaraw. Our New Generation Tamaraw, proudly built at our Sta. Rosa plant in Laguna, now joins the ranks of trusted public utility vehicles serving our communities,” said Hashimoto in a post.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Deep discounts on Kia favorites at Auto Focus Test Drive Festival
Gearhead or not, you should visit the Toyota Automobile Museum if you’re in Aichi, Japan
He continued, “This milestone lays the groundwork for our vision of making Tamaraw a true ‘National Car.’ It really feels like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”
Since the Tamaraw’s launch in December 2024, Toyota has shifted over 17,000 units. The Japanese carmaker even showcased track-ready models for the Tamaraw One-Make Race at this year’s Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup.
