Toyota picks Philippines to lead launch of all-new Hiace

MANILA, Philippines — Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp. (TMC) has chosen the Philippines to be the first market to launch its new Hiace models given the strong demand in the country’s for the particular product.

TMC and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) unveiled yesterday the new generation Hiace in a world premiere held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, Bonifacio Global City.

“We, at Toyota Motor Philippines, are honored to host the world premiere of the all-new Toyota Hiace. For the first time, the world’s eyes are on the Philippines, to witness the unveiling of the full model change Hiace, never before exhibited elsewhere,” TMP president Satoru Suzuki said.

TMC operating officer Satoshi Ogiso said it is suitable to launch the new Hiace models in the Philippines as the country is Toyota’s ninth biggest market and, at the same time, largest market for the Hiace.

Three new variants of the New Hiace were introduced, namely the GL Grandia Tourer, the GL Grandia and the Commuter Deluxe.

Both the Commuter Deluxe and the GL Grandia will be available for retail in all Toyota dealerships nationwide starting March 5, while the GL Grandia will be available in early April.

“By hosting the all-new Hiace’s worldwide launch in the country, TMP has further asserted the Philippines’ position as a primary market for Toyota’s range of iconic vans,” TMP said.

“Aside from being the preferred family van of the Filipino people, previous generations of the Hiace have also become a common fixture in providing mobility services to both public and private sectors, helping promote,” it added.

Suzuki said the company targets to sell about 1,600 units of the new Hiace model every month.

The all-new Hiace is powered by a new 1GD-FTV 2.8 L engine that has a high-boost turbocharger, 176 horsepower, intercooler system, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and dual mass flywheel (DMF) that leads to reduced cabin noise by absorbing engine vibrations.

It also offers better handling with variable power steering, lighter gear shifting, and a MacPherson strut front suspension system with leaf spring rear suspension.

TMP said a number of improvements have also been adopted by the sixth generation Hiace for easier ingress and egress.

“There is a noticeably bigger legroom, providing a riding experience enhanced by wider door steps, strategically-positioned assist grips, and illuminated entry system,” TMC said.

The new models is also equipped with a number of safety features such as its cab-over design and its semi-bonnet, which additionally increases collision safety.

“Toyota is also the first manufacturer to include a center seat airbag on a utility van for its front center passengers, for a total of 3 supplemental restraint system (SRS) airbags for the Commuter Deluxe and 2 SRS airbags for the GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer variants,” the company said.

The all-new Hiace’s GL Grandia and GL Grandia Tourer variants come with vehicle stability control, hill start assist, anti-lock brake system and emergency brake signals.

The Commuter Deluxe also has anti-lock brake system and emergency brake signals.

“Owners, drivers, and passengers alike are offered great peace of mind as both passive and active safety are accounted for in the design of the new generation Hiace,” TMC said.