Toyota mulls rollout of more hybrid EVs

As government expands tariff break

MANILA, Philippines — Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is looking to introduce more hybrid electric vehicles in the country following the government’s recent move to include HEVs in the coverage of EVs that can enjoy zero tariffs.

TMP chairman Alfred Ty told The STAR that the country can expect more HEV offerings from the automotive firm as the company welcomes the expanded coverage of Executive Order (EO) 12, which temporarily lowered tariffs for EVs.

“Toyota’s direction toward 2030 really involves hybrid or full electric (vehicles). It’s really moving toward that globally,” he said.

He said the company is also moving in the same direction in the country, with almost all models, especially of Lexus vehicles, having a hybrid variant aside from the internal combustion engine model.

TMP sees the recent approval by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board of the inclusion of HEVs in EO 12 as a positive development for the automotive industry.

Earlier this month, the NEDA Board chaired by President Marcos approved the expanded EO 12 coverage, allowing more EVs, including HEVs, to enjoy zero tariffs until 2028.

EO 12, which took effect in February last year, brought down import duties of certain EVs and parts and components to zero from the previous five to 30 percent for a period of five years, with the aim of promoting the development of EVs as an attractive mode of transportation.

“As part of CAMPI (Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc.), we’re ecstatic together with the whole industry, with this decision by NEDA after one year of waiting,” Ty said.

“I think it’s a big step in understanding that the hybrid is not an alternative to full battery electric vehicle (BEV), but it’s a step towards BEV,” he said further.

In other countries that have accepted full electric technology, he said the initial step was to start with hybrid vehicles to allow the public to accept the technology.

As charging stations take time to develop, he said HEVs would allow users not to worry about running out of power.

Last April, TMP launched the new and improved version of the country’s best-selling HEV model, the Corolla Cross.

Aside from the Corolla Cross, TMP’s other HEV offerings include the Corolla Altis, Camry, RAV4, Alphard and Yaris Cross.