Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. Senior Vice-President for Marketing Sherwin Chua Lim recently shared his insights on the company's approach to the increasingly electrified mobility landscape at the Road Trek 19 event in Cebu. With a backdrop of a serene beach and a blue sky, the company showcased its current and new models, including the highly anticipated Toyota Land Cruiser FJ.
Mr. Chua Lim, who has been with Toyota since 1995, credited the company's unique organizational structure for allowing employees to learn and grow through role rotations. This approach, known as "gemba," immerses leaders in frontline locations, enabling them to appreciate the bigger picture and understand the connections between different operations.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Chua Lim discussed the company's approach to launching new models, including the recent introduction of several cars at the start of the year. He explained that revealing the models early helped spark market interest and perked up the industry. The public reception to the models at the Philippine International Motor Show was overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing interest and admiration for the features and ride quality of the vehicles.
Toyota continues to espouse a multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality, providing vehicles that cater to different needs of the market. While there is a growing demand for electrified vehicles, the company notes that a big portion of the market still requires gasoline and diesel engines. To address this, Toyota is committed to providing a range of powertrains and vehicles that meet the different needs of the market.
Mr. Chua Lim also commented on the recent surge in demand for electrified vehicles, which has led to a shortage of units. However, he noted that this shows there is a growing demand for these vehicles and that the company is working to replenish its stock. Despite the competition from Chinese brands, Toyota remains the market leader and is committed to providing the products that the market requires.
The company is also anticipating the resumption of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup, which will serve as a rolling laboratory for testing biofuels. Mr. Chua Lim highlighted the importance of preparing for a potential spike in traditional fossil fuels in the future and the benefits of using low-carbon biofuels.
