What the Toyota Prius is in the Philippines

THE global auto industry will inevitably shift from gasoline engines to electric-powered propulsion, according to Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). And so the company said it is “actively working towards a more sustainable future by raising awareness and educating the public” regarding this transition.

TMP’s upcoming Toyota HEV Conference is one such initiative. Set on May 29, the meet — HEV stands for Hybrid Electric Vehicle — will see the brand’s technical experts, key government officials, members of the academe and several NGO executives discuss various topics related to sustainable mobility.

TMP said it aims for the wider adoption of its HEV technology, which can be utilized in numerous sectors and industries.

It noted Toyota has been developing its hybrid technology since the late 1990s, and is “the first car manufacturer to overcome the technical and engineering nuances that prevented the unique powertrain from being mass-produced.”

Toyota launched its Prius in Japan and the US in 1997, making the model the first hybrid electric vehicle to be sold to consumers.

In June 2009 TMP introduced to the Philippines the second-generation Prius, a model the company said was “way ahead of its time and local market taste.” The Prius pioneered hybrid electrification in the country. TMP brought out the Prius C in 2012.

“Hybrid electric vehicles will be our initial step for a more sustainable future. Given the local landscape, HEVs are undeniably the smart and practical way to usher change in the auto industry,” said TMP first vice-president Cristina Arevalo.

TMP vice-president Elijah Marcial added; “As the younger generation becomes more environment-conscious, we feel [this] is the perfect time to educate them about eco-friendly technologies readily available to us.”