Coke goes well with…Toyota

Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), the bottling arm of Coca-Cola in the Philippines, has tapped the country’s leading automotive company, Toyota Motor Philippines, Corp. (TMP), and leasing partner Orix Rental Corporation (ORC) to provide new vehicles for its sales personnel—strengthening an already extensive fleet to better meet the needs of the Philippine market. Here’s the news from Toyota:

CCBPI procured over 200 Toyota units composed of Wigo (hatchback), Vios (sedan), and Hilux (pickup) from TMI, all of which are with Euro IV compliant engines that produce cleaner emissions. This ensures that associates are empowered and properly equipped with the proper tools to achieve personal and business goals—and is also in line with CCBPI’s People First approach, which prioritizes employee safety and well-being.

The procurement is part of the company’s Tools of Trade refresh initiative—wherein older vehicles are decommissioned and replaced with new ones. For the fleet’s upkeep, CCBPI entered a full operating lease agreement with ORC who will facilitate periodic maintenance services, insurance, and overall management of the vehicles.

This move aligns with the beverage company’s continued growth trajectory in the country, which includes expansions by way of sustained investments: CCBPI recently announced that it has earmarked an additional $22M for local operations, testament to its continued commitment to the Philippines’ economic development, including job generation and protection for the Filipino workforce.

The new company-assigned vehicles also serve as another layer of protection for associates, as the sales team continues to fulfill their duties amid the pandemic in serving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) such as sari-sari stores and carinderias across the country who rely on the company’s products to help sustain their livelihoods; as well as business partners and communities whose increased essential hydration needs must be met.

In a ceremonial turnover ceremony held at Toyota Makati, Inc. (TMI)’s showroom in Makati City, Mr. Ronald Tamayo, Procurement Director of CCBPI, expressed his optimism that the newly acquired Toyota units via Toyota Fleet Solutions will effectively help CCBPI associates achieve not only their business objectives, but also stay true to their commitment to assisting Filipino entrepreneurs and serving the Philippine market.

“We serve almost 1M sari-sari stores and over 5,000 business partners—therefore having reliable, safe, and efficient vehicles for our sales force is very important in our business operations,” said Tamayo. “More importantly, the safety and well-being of our personnel have always been a priority, and this refresh and update of our service fleet will also allow them to carry out their duties with more safety.”

Tamayo adds, “We will continue to strengthen our sales team and empower them as they work to reach and serve stores and communities. Having Toyota as our fleet management partner means that we can fulfill our responsibility to our people, who in turn can fulfill their service to our valued stakeholders.”

Ma. Cristina Fe Arevalo, First Vice President of New Mobility Business Division of TMP, said, “We, at Toyota, are glad to be helping the country move forward by providing mobility to people and industries, especially now when transportation remains to be a challenge for many. With Toyota’s commitment to delivering quality, durability, reliability, and safety, we’re confident that our vehicles will further empower CCBPI to deliver products, services, and opportunities to countless families and communities.”

With a wide range of vehicles from sedans, to pickups, to passenger and commuter vans, TMP is ready to address the mobility needs of companies in various industries. From vehicle acquisition to after-sales support and fleet maintenance, Toyota Fleet Solutions is a partner for various enterprises to drive value to their business. For fleet solution inquiries, companies or organizations may visit www.toyota.com.ph or send an email to customerassistance@toyota.com.ph .