I HAVE said a lot of times that I love collecting speeches, and I say it again today. With your indulgence, I print here not just one but two.
They deal about the 28th anniversary of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), the country’s No. 1 car company for the longest time.
First, Satoru Suzuki,
TMP president:
“To our dearest friends from the media, good afternoon! Thank you for spending your time with us over good food, drinks and even better company.
“This August, we commemorate our 28th anniversary and, as we mark this milestone, it is but fitting to celebrate this event with our media friends who have been part of the company’s journey.
“For almost three decades, through your help, we at Toyota have made numerous accomplishments in the motoring industry, whether it be in sales, production or corporate social responsibility.
“The continuous support in all our endeavors has led to where Toyota stands today. On behalf of our shareholders, TMP management and Toyota dealer network, thank you for the unwavering support and partnership.
“Moving forward this 2016, on a year-to-date basis, our strong network of 52 dealerships helped us sell more than 85,000 units. This is a growth of 26 percent versus the same period of last year.
“On the other hand, in the area of our production, it is equally important to note that last month our Santa Rosa plant has already assembled almost 30,000 units. This is 11 percent higher than the same period of last year, illustrating the great demand of our Vios and Innova because of their exceptional quality and reliability proudly made by the Filipino.
“Speaking of Toyota’s models, in the spirit of ever-better cars, we have displayed our new and ‘engenius’ Vios and Yaris. Both of which now carry a more powerful and fuel-efficient NR series engine equipped with Dual VVT-i and CVT. This improvement gives better mileage that aims to achieve fuel economy, high-engine output and decreased fuel emissions similar to other Toyota vehicles, such as the Altis, Camry and Rav4.
“All these accomplishments are propelled by none other than our desire of continuously serving the needs of the increasing number of customers, and our role and responsibility in economic growth.
“Toyota has long been working under the framework of passion, the philosophy of customer first and our commitment of delivering great products and services. Feat after feat…we at TMP acknowledge that all these have been possible because of the trust and support that you—our friends from the media—have displayed over the past 28 years.
“It is for this reason that we are all celebrating as a way of expressing our gratitude for the partnership and camaraderie we continue to have on this very day…. On behalf of the whole Team Toyota…maraming salamat po, and please continue to enjoy the rest of the afternoon!”
Alfred V. Ty, TMP vice chairman:
“Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Thank you for joining us in this simple gathering to celebrate Toyota Motor Philippines’s 28th anniversary.
“Last August 3 we celebrated our 28th anniversary with a simple ceremony, together with almost 2,000 team members in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
“We look back to early years of TMP, to the difficulties experienced and also remember the challenges that were overcome not by one person but by a team of like-minded members, sharing the same passion, the same dream and the same vision.
“We believe that you, as our friends from the media, are very much a partner of our team.
“It is fitting that we express our gratitude to you, for Toyota and Lexus would not be where it is today without your unwavering support.
“You have been a true partner of the auto industry. You were there to help the approval of the CARS Program…
“You were there to help significantly reduce the illegal importation of vehicles, with every unit stopped, is one unit for the industry.
“You help stimulate the market by providing knowledge to the public about the latest technology and latest trend around the world, you were there to provide representation of crisis situations relating to automotive makers, shielding all of the auto brands from unfair bashing and unfounded criticisms.
“You are side by side with us with the tripling of the growth from 10 years ago.
“On behalf of the TMP board of directors, thank you, thank you, thank you.
“Let us drink to all the smiling customers of Toyota and Lexus. Let us drink to many more years of successful partnership and friendship. Kampai!”
PEE STOP Happy birthday to Elvie Florido (August 27), the superkind and generous wife of my Pareng Fiscal Joven, a.k.a. “Usahay.” Birthday wishes for Mareng Elvie also come from Ching and Dante Fernandez, Ofel and Jun Magturo, Calauag Mayor Louie S. Visorde and playwright-book author Sol F. Juvida.