Next-generation Tamaraw to be built at Toyota Santa Rosa plant

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), with the approval of its mother company, the Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), will be producing the upcoming next-generation Tamaraw as Completely Built Units (CBU) in its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The brand says that this will start sometime in 2024 (around the second half or late next year).  

The Toyota Tamaraw Concept as a flatbed truck

This was announced at TMP’s 35th-year anniversary celebration which was attended by TMP Chairman Alfred Ty and TMC Chairman Akio Toyoda. It also follows the brand’s previous announcement where TMP invested a whopping Php 4.4 billion to resurrect the Tamaraw nameplate. 

“I'm very pleased to say that in 2024, for the first time ever IMV vehicles such as this next generation Tamaraw, will be produced as CBU's right here in the Philippines at our Santa Rosa plant,” Toyoda said.

The Toyota Tamaraw Concept as a modernized jeepney

Two examples of the IMV 0 concept were previewed at the event, a single-cab pickup truck and a modern jeepney. The IMV 0 concept will be the basis of the production-spec next-gen Tamaraw, which was previously unveiled together with the Toyota Hilux Revo BEV concept back in December 2022. The IMV 0 concept was also shown off in various configurations at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) as the Toyota Rangga concept.  

As per its appearance at GIIAS, the IMV 0 concept heralds the versatility of the upcoming Tamaraw. It is able to take on various configurations thanks to its customizable body. Think of it like a set of Legos. 

Inside the modernized jeepney concept

The two that appeared at TMP’s 37th-anniversary ceremony, for instance, were quite different from each other. One came in the guise of a modernized jeepney complete with multiple seats, a high roof, and emergency exits. The other one was presented as a flatbed pickup truck. Both though, featured a single cab setup, and a rugged and angular-looking front fascia. 

According to Toyota, the IMV 0 concept is the latest evolution of the IMV ladder chassis platform. Note that IMV is the same chassis that underpins the Hilux, the Fortuner, and the Innova. That said, the upcoming Tamaraw might promise the same toughness as those aforementioned Toyota models. 

A view from the concept's flat bed

For now, not much information regarding the next-gen Tamaraw was shared, but judging from its legendary status as a model, many are no doubt excited about it. As such, keep it here on Philkotse for more updates on this upcoming Toyota model.