Mazda, Toyota, Honda Vows to Spend on R&D Even as Profits Plunge

Hard hit by production stoppages and weakening sales, some carmakers have turned to conserving cash as means to ride out the coronavirus pandemic; but not for Mazda, as well as Toyota and Honda. These automakers intend to continue spending and developing next-generation technologies.

A report out of Automotive News (subscription required) says these three automakers are keeping their focus squarely at the long-term. Mazda which booked a net loss of USD 20.3 billion, and a 20 percent decline in global sales (January to March 2020) says they will continue to set up their development game. Quoting Akira Koga, Mazda senior managing executive officer:

“We will not relent in our investment in development and facility for our future growth. We will continue and step it up.”

These sentiments are echoed by Toyota President Akio Toyota. Despite suffering an 86 percent net income tumble, he suggested that it’s shortsighted of companies to cut back on advanced research or programs to save money in the short term. He said:

“I sense that there seems to be much talk about a V-shaped turnaround. By deciding to stop various things, an individual company can turn its results around. It bothers me that such action often seems to be praised. That’s not right. This is how I feel.”

Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo feels the same way.

“In order to survive, we will continue to invest in the next-generation technologies at all cost. We have no intention of scaling it down.”

For fiscal year 2020-2021, Toyota will actually increase its R&D outlay from 3.7 to 4.6 percent of revenue. Meanwhile, despite selling just 1.42 million vehicles compared to Toyota’s 10.46 million, Mazda will spend 3.9 percent of its revenue on R&D. And while Honda hasn’t released a figure, last year, it funneled 5.5 percent of its revenue into future technologies.

This kind of thinking contrasts with other carmakers such as Ford and General Motors which have previously announced cutbacks to its long-term technological investments. It remains to be seen what road other Japanese carmakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi will take.

Toyota PH to Offer Free Vehicle Sanitation, Extended Payment Terms, and Payment Holidays

As part of their thrust to deliver ever-better products and services to their customers, Toyota Motor Philippines will now offer new services as part of the “new normal.”

Among the new services that will be on offer at all dealerships include free periodic maintenance service, insurance, and even vehicle sanitation (courtesy of BactaKlenz) packages. Toyota is also committed to help pout its customers with more flexible financing schemes, extended payment terms, and even payment holiday terms to customers.

Details of these programs as well as other COVID-related news and advisories, including an FAQ will be posted on a dedicated microsite. Toyota’s Customer Assistance Center is also operational and is accessible at customerassistance [at] toyota.com.ph for any customer concerns and inquiries.

These programs are on top of Toyota’s online service booking app, MyToyota PH, which was launched last week. This tool is indispensable as Toyota Motor Philippines’s entire dealer network is implementing a 100 percent by-appointment system for servicing.

Toyota CEO Starts to Question Company's Core Philosophy

The COVID-19 pandemic has made Toyota Motor Corporation CEO Akio Toyoda to question the carmaker’s Genchi-Genbutsu philosophy. The phrase, translated roughly as, “go and see for yourself” builds on the idea that in order to solve a problem quickly and more efficiently is to go where they exist and analyze the root cause.

However, with Toyoda spending much of his time at a Toyota training facility he’s now questioning one of Toyota’s core tenet. Quoting from Bloomberg:

“We’re taking a fresh look at the assumptions of ‘Genchi-Genbutsu’,” Toyoda, 64, said after announcing Toyota’s financial results and forecast for an 80 percent decline in operating profit for the fiscal year through March. The outbreak has forced automakers to shut factories and showrooms, leading to a plunge in vehicle sales. 

Toyoda said it’s still important to see things for yourself, but for the right reasons and at the right times. But it’s also becoming clearer that people shouldn’t be traveling all the time just to attend meetings, he said. Underscoring the point, the CEO said he spends 30 percent less time in meetings, and cut related paperwork by a half. 

“Until now, when employees met me, they would prepare briefing materials, or have someone else prepare them, and then use information that’s one or two weeks old for discussions,” Toyoda said. “Now, I can just get on a video conference without any materials and deal with any issues then and there.”

Normally, Japan places emphasis on face-to-face meetings and paper documents. However, with the Japanese government urging businesses to let employees work from home, these practices have come under scrutiny. Without a doubt, the pandemic will change Japanese workplace habits, and likely for the better.

Toyota PH Now Operates a Free On-Demand Shuttle Service for PGH Medical Front Liners

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is now supplementing its fleet of lent out media units to medical front liners with the help of Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF). Starting in mid-May, they will be providing sanitized, just-in-time transportation services for health care front liners at the Philippine General Hospital.

Under this free-of-charge mobility support, up to 10 connected and sanitized shuttles are provided around the clock to cater to the different shifts of the workers to ease their burden. Equipped with a “Just-in-Time” booking app, this service allows greater certainty in the pick-up time and at locations close to home for workers for enhanced security.

To reduce the risk of infection, these shuttles will also be installed with air purifiers and disposable seat covers replaced periodically, in addition to being frequently cleansed. Drivers and cleaning crew will don personal protective equipment as well. And in keeping with guidelines for social distancing, passenger seating capacity will also be observed accordingly.

Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto, President of TMP, commented, “To express our appreciation to the front liners for their courage and sacrifice, Toyota partners with the Department of Transportation to support our modern-day heroes.  As a good corporate citizen of the Philippines, we will continue with our commitment to improve the quality of life of Filipinos, especially in these trying times.”

Mr. Pras Ganesh, Program Director for Asia Region of TMF, added, “Using our expertise in mobility solutions, TMF aims to support the Philippines’ health care workers in their daily commute, by providing a solution that offers peace of mind to maintain their well-being with this sanitized, just-in-time free shuttle service.”

The shuttle service will start from mid-May and operate for a period of three months, with the potential to be extended based on necessity.

Aside from lending out 49 vehicles to various government hospitals, local government units, and other volunteer groups to transport front liners, healthcare workers, and other essential workers, TMP, through Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF) donated PPEs to local hospitals, and also distributed essential goods to families in certain communities. TMP employees also pooled personal resources voluntarily to provide more PPEs to healthcare workers, basic food supply to the less privileged, and monetary support to non-regular employees. Metrobank Card Corporation is also giving Petron fuel rebates to front liners who are Toyota Mastercard holders.

This is How the "New Normal" Looks Like at Toyota Dealerships

As the Enhanced Community Quarantine transitions into the General Community Quarantine, Toyota Motor Philippines, together with its dealer network, gives us a first-hand look at how car dealers look like with the new health and safety procedures in place (check the list of open dealerships here).

These photos sent to us by Toyota Motor Philippines show their dealers operating in GCQ areas. It’s clear that not only do they check the temperature of customers and employees, but also perform regular disinfection of the entire facility, including the vehicles. Moreover, to ensure strict observance of social distancing, dealers changed the layout of showrooms and service reception areas. They will also control the number of persons inside the facility at any given time.

In light of this, customers are highly encouraged to set appointments before visiting the dealer to avoid any inconvenience. Dealers will only be accommodating confirmed service appointments which can be easily booked through the recently launched digital tool MyToyota PH.

“While we are facing challenging times, this also presents an opportunity to come back better and stronger, to review our current processes and find improvements, to constantly provide ever better products and services, and to make our team members’, customers’, and partners’ lives safer and more convenient.” says TMP President Mr. Atsuhiro Okamoto, “The new normal will take a while to get used to but together we can overcome this. Stay home, stay safe, and please observe precautionary measures if you need to go out. We are working hard to prepare our dealerships and ensuring that everyone will be safe upon their visit. We look forward to serving our valued customers again. See you in our dealerships!”

Toyota Motor PH Lets You Book Your Next Service Online

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is launching MyToyota PH this Monday, May 4, 2020. It is a digital tool that makes owning and maintaining a Toyota easier and more convenient for all customers.

As the world is on a standstill due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, TMP is quick to recognize the changing needs of its customers for after-sales service. Toyota owners can now book their service appointments safely anytime, anywhere.

Toyota owners will also have access to the tool’s key features straight from their mobile phones. Inquiries are made easier as customers can directly send messages to their dealers about their booked appointment. The tool also has reminders which is sent 24 hours and an hour prior to their appointment. Job items and service cost estimates are also easily available in the tool.

To use the tool, Toyota owners can create a MyToyotaPH account and register their Toyota vehicles. After this, they can immediately start setting up an appointment by selecting their preferred dealers. The tool can also be added to their mobile device’s home screen through the browser’s settings for easier access.

The tool will be available starting May 4, 2020 to dealers that will be open according to each area’s respective quarantine periods. All Toyota dealers nationwide will be available for service booking after the quarantine period.

Furthermore, Toyota dealerships will now be accommodating confirmed service appointments only to ensure everyone’s safety by effectively promoting social distancing.

Toyota Starts Making Medical Face Shields Against COVID-19

Toyota Motor Corporation joins Mitsubishi and Nissan in the full-scale production of medical face shields in Japan.

Toyota which was producing face shields to the tune of 500 to 600 units per week has boosted their output to 2,000 units per day or roughly 40,000 units per month. Plans are underway to further increase this to 70,000 units per month. Affiliated companies including Daihatsu and Hino have all started trial production as well.

Moving forward, Toyota intends to prioritize the provision of the medical face shields it produces to medical facilities and local governments in the localities of the various companies of the group.

Toyota Has Now Sold More Than 15 Million Hybrid Electric Vehicles

In January 2020, Toyota achieved an important milestone by selling more than 15 million hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) globally since the launch of the first-generation Prius in 1997.

Today, the range of available hybrid electric vehicles from Toyota and Lexus reaches 44 models, far eclipsing the original flag-bearer that remains the symbol of the company’s early and visionary foray into mass electrification.

Toyota’s decision to develop hybrid electric vehicles started over 25 years ago when Takeshi Uchiyamada led a team to develop a car for the 21st century, one which would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.

The first-generation Prius was launched in 1997 around the time of the Kyoto Protocol signing, which gave new momentum to the environmental movement. Today, 15 million hybrid sales later, Toyota has made a significant contribution to the environment as its hybrid electric technology has reduced CO2 emissions by more than 120 million tons worldwide to date compared to sales of equivalent petrol vehicles.

Across this period, Toyota has seen demand for its hybrid electric vehicles soar as the company has combined this innovative technology with the roll out of its next-generation TNGA global platforms. Beyond the current 4th generation hybrid system, Toyota is continuing to refine its hybrid technology to achieve even lower emissions and ever-better fuel efficiency.

Toyota Converts Olympic Dreams to COVID-19 Response Vehicles

If you’ve been to Japan before all this COVID-19 business, you would have noticed this quirky Toyota taxi, particularly around Tokyo.

Called the JPN Taxi, it’s a specialized Toyota model that would have served tourists for the 2020 Olympics. With the Olympics now postponed, the JPN Taxi is doing a different job now: transporting COVID-19 patients.

Like Honda’s move with their Odyssey MPV, Toyota has quickly transformed a fleet of its JPN Taxi to safely transport COVID-19 patients while preventing any potential spread of infection to the driver. A plastic partition has been installed between the front and rear seats, while the climate control has been re-engineered for a one-way air flow from the front to the rear seats.

So far, Toyota has re-configured five of their JPN Taxi units to serve hospitals around the Chiba prefecture.

Toyota Motorsport GmbH is Now Gone

Toyota Motorsport GmbH (TMG) is now gone. Toyota’s European research and development base, and seen aplenty on local Vios as go-fast stickers or plate decals will get a new name moving forward: Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe GmbH (TGR-E).

Established initially as Andersson Motorsport GmbH in Köln in 1979, it then changed its name to TMG in 1993, when it became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota.

In addition to the company’s engagement in motorsports activities, which it has been conducting since its establishment, in recent years, the company has expanded its work with the Gazoo Racing Company (GRC) by applying the expertise and experience it has cultivated in motorsports over the years to the development of GR series production cars.

Toyota says the change in company name reflects this closer relationship with Gazoo Racing.

Going forward, TGR-E will continue to serve as the hub for Toyota’s motorsports activities in Europe, working together with GRC from its base in Köln, Germany, and engage in activities including supplying engines for cars participating in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), and helping to develop the GR Supra GT4.

TGR-E will also utilize the knowledge and expertise it has accumulated through its motorsports activities over the years in the development of production cars.

Japanese Carmakers Talk Survival Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Akio Toyoda, Chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) paints a grim picture facing the Japanese automotive industry as the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlines the commitment of JAMA members to keep that from happening.

In a message outlining JAMA’s response to the pandemic, Toyoda-san is already picturing the Japanese auto industry to be a in tough situation. He said:

“The day will come when humans will conquer the threat of COVID-19. However, if the current situation continues, the economy in Japan may be exhausted. It may not even be possible to find a way to tackle COVID-19 fully before the economy is in ruin.”

Toyoda-san goes further to say that the automotive industry employs around 5.5 million workers in Japan—10 percent of the working population there. With its profound influence, it could cause a ripple effect to other industries to the tune of 2.5 times. In Toyoda-san’s own words:

With that, JAMA and its members will make every effort to stimulate the economy, and more than anything, try to protect employment to help stop the collapse of the Japanese economy.

Toyoda-san looks to the lessons of 2011’s Great East Japan Earthquake where afterward, Toyota was very insistent about retaining domestic production despite criticisms stating that it’s wrong to stay focused on Japan in terms of production.

“After the earthquake and tsunami disaster, I believed that offering only temporary support would not be effective for a ‘true recovery’ of the Tohoku region, so we [Toyota Motor Corporation] built a new automobile body manufacturing company in the area and also a school that teaches monozukuri (making things). 

This effort aimed at providing the type of long-term recovery support needed to establish the roots of ‘making cars’ there.

When we look at the Tohoku region now, nine years on from the disaster, the total value of vehicle shipment volume from the area, which was 50 billion yen at the time, has now reached 800 billion yen, which is 16 times that amount. Furthermore, the number of suppliers mostly consisting of auto parts manufacturers which was approximately 100 companies at the time has now increased to 170 companies. Although there is high inflow and outflow of people in the Tohoku region, we have been able to increase the number of workers in the automotive industry there by 3,000 people. This current status in the Tohoku region was realized because we worked together as one to conduct recovery efforts in the Tohoku region. 

More than anything, new technology and skills are being created in the Tohoku region. These skills will be passed on; the people who learn these skills will teach this to the next person. 

And they themselves will create a place where they can work, maintain, and develop themselves. At the time following the disaster, I made a strong commitment to myself that I wanted to establish Japanese monozukuri there, and was very focused on domestic production, and I don’t think this was a mistake. 

As an industry, I believe we have the tenacious DNA that will help us to survive, so we should do all we can to survive!”

Toyota, Mazda Lets the Kids Get Busy With These Paper Crafts

Looking for something to keep the little ones (or even the adults who are young at heart) occupied during the Enhanced Community Quarantine? Well, why don’t you let them build their very own Toyota or Mazda.

These two Japanese carmakers separately made paper craft guides that help pass the time. With the only required materials being paper, a printer, scissors, and glue—you can now make your very own scale model Toyota 86 or a selection of classic Mazda models.

First, download and print the high-resolution PDF of your chosen model (see links below). If have a larger sheet of paper—like an A3-sized one, it’ll actually do, but the minimum would be a Letter sized bond paper.

Using scissors, carefully separate each of the three main sections (the roof and two sides) and each of the four tire tracks, being especially careful not to cut off the little white tabs with dots on.

Fold and glue all of these tabs so they adhere to the underside of the adjacent panel – doing so will pull the car into the three-dimensional shape that should resemble your chosen vehicle.

This activity is recommended for older children; it should take about an hour to carefully put your model together.

• Yatabe Speed Trial Toyota 2000GT Toyota 86
• Shelby Toyota 2000GT Toyota 86
• Ove Andersson Toyota Celica 1600GT Toyota 86
• IMSA GTU Toyota Celica Toyota 86
• Castrol Toyota Celica GT-Four Toyota 86
• Esso Ultron Tiger Toyota Supra Toyota 86
• Mazda2
• Mazda3
• Mazda6
• Mazda CX-3
• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda MX-5
• Mazda Cosmo Sport
• Mazda R360 Coupe
• Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe

Do Hybrid Cars Require Special Care If Not Driven for a Long Time?

With news that the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) may be extended by another 12 to 15 days, one particular group of car owners, those owning gasoline-electric hybrids, may be wondering what will happen to their cars if it they haven’t been used for a long time. Well, Toyota has finally come up with the definitive answer.

Toyota hybrids, like most other gasoline-electric hybrids, have two batteries: a 12-volt battery which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio, and a high-voltage hybrid system battery which supplies power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors.

Thankfully, despite its complexity, it’s reassuring that there’s no extraordinary car maintenance required. Of course, it’s still good to follow these simple procedures to keep your Toyota hybrid (or any other car) in good shape during this “no unnecessary driving” season.

A battery charger like CTEK will maintain the charge of your 12-volt battery, it won’t charge high-voltage hybrid system battery. According to Toyota, the simplest way to maintain charge for this is to simply start the car, and ensure that the “Ready” illuminates on the dashboard.

During this time, the hybrid may engage the internal combustion engine to charge the high-voltage hybrid system battery, so make sure to unplug any battery charger that’s connected to your 12-volt system. You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time, or turn on other systems, but bear in mind these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it is preferable to leave them off. Keep the car in “Ready” mode for 60 minutes (yes, an hour) and do this weekly.

For conventional gasoline or diesel-powered cars without a hybrid electric motor, the internal combustion engine needs approximately 20 minutes of running to put back power into the 12-volt battery what you removed on start-up. Thus, Toyota recommends the same 60-minute idling time of at least once a week. At this point, having a battery charger would be handy to avoid this.

Every time you do this, ensure the handbrake is on, and it must be stressed to only do this in a well-ventilated area—something to consider if you park your vehicle in a garage.

And before storing your car, it would be a good time to check its tire pressure. Tire manufacturers go so far to recommend going up to 10-15 PSI above the manufacturer’s recommendation, but since this community quarantine will probably last only until end of April, just inflating it to the recommended level is good enough.

For vehicles with smart entry systems, battery depletion in the key fob can be minimized by stopping the electronic key from receiving radio waves. Since you may not be driving for quite a while, it’s best to keep the key in a safe place, and not anywhere near your car. This will prevent the car from ‘waking up’ unnecessarily (this can drain both the key fob battery and car battery) should you happen to walk near it in your garage or driveway.

Oh, and if you plan to put a car cover, make sure that your vehicle is completely dry before you put it on. You can also disengage the parking brake to prevent the brakes from binding, but only do this if your car’s stored on level terrain. Ensure the transmission is set to ‘P’ for park and place wedges or chocks (or even a cement block), if you have them, under the wheels.

Toyota Motor PH's Car Leasing Plans Could Be Kinto

Late last year, Toyota Motor Philippines laid down plans to offer long-term leasing in a bid to solidify its market share. While no details were provided at the time, we just have to look at our neighbor in Thailand to see that Toyota has done just that with a new brand called Kinto.

As Toyota sees a shift from conventional car ownership to car usage that can be enjoyed wherever and as much as users would like, there’s a growing need for a service that allows customers to freely select the car that they like or want to drive and enjoy it as they like, instead of using a car simply as a means of transportation.

This is where Kinto comes in. Incorporated just in February 2019, it offers customers the chance to drive a brand-new Toyota with both just a monthly fixed-sum service that packages voluntary insurance payments, vehicle tax, registration charges, and regularly scheduled maintenance. The service was rolled out in Japan initially, with Thailand soon following suit.

In both countries, Kinto comes with a fixed term (3 or 4 years). In the case of Japan, there’s a two-tier system—Kinto One (basic), and Kinto Select (which includes Lexus models). In the case of Thailand, there’s a three-tier system based on the total mileage the customer intends to use per year—15,000, 25,000, or 45,000 kilometers per year. After that, it’s just a matter of selecting what car and which dealership the car would be pick-up at. And unlike a typical car loan which may require a guarantor, with Kinto, all it takes is a swipe of the credit card.

When it comes to car selection, it’s extensive enough. In Japan, Kinto One subscribers can take out a Prius, Corolla, Alphard, or Crown. With Kinto Select, the service includes six Lexus models including the IS, NX, and heck, even the RC sports coupe. Sadly, in both cases, there’s no chance to swap between models during the term of the lease (unlike the Nissan Switch program in the U.S.). Meanwhile, for Thailand, it covers the Yaris Ativ (our Vios), Vios, C-HR, Altis, and Camry.

As for the pricing, well, in Japan, it starts at 46,100 yen (P 21,842~) to 180,000 yen (P 85,286~) per month, while in Thailand, it’s from 10,840 THB (P 16,640~) to 33,040 THB (P 50,720~). With those prices in mind, would you consider a long-term lease than outright buying a brand-new car?

Toyota Motor PH Activates Media Fleet to Service Front Liners and Health Workers

As the country’s undisputed number one car brand, it’s no surprise that Toyota Motor Philippines has the largest press fleet around. When the Enhanced Community Quarantine hit though, these units were all grounded, until now.

In a Facebook post that’s just as viral as him taking the public transportation, Toyota Motor Philippines President Atsuhiro “Hiro” Okamoto said they’ve coordinated with various Local Government Units (LGUs) and government hospitals in pinpointing which areas need a hand.


So far, Okamoto-san has identified these places where the press units were deployed: Binangonan Lakeview Hospital, City of Manila, East Avenue Medical Center, Mary Johnston Hospital, Ospital ng Makati, Philippine General Hospital, Santa Rosa Community Hospital, Unihealth Parañaque Hospital and Medical Center, and the City of Manila and Navotas City.

Based on his post, Toyota lent out at least eight units: three Vios, two Rush, two RAV4, and one FJ Cruiser. According to Toyota Motor Philippines though, they have deployed a total of 36 units, with 47 in total allocated for this effort.

Toyota Can't Keep Pledge, Will Halt Production at Several Japanese Plants

It was a pledge even Akio Toyoda couldn’t keep. A few days after announcing to the world that Japanese automakers will “do all they can to remain producing cars and trucks,” Toyota announced that they’ll be idling five Japanese plants beginning April 3.

To be fair, the shutdowns are not related per se to COVID-19 (earlier, two Toyota line workers tested positive for the virus, but the lines were simply sanitized and production promptly resumed). It is, however, connected to an expected decrease in car and truck demand worldwide in the wake of the pandemic.

The five affected Toyota plants are Toyota’s Takaoka, Tsutsumi, Tahara, and Kyushu sites. Affected models available in the Philippines include the RAV4, Prius, Camry, Lexus ES, Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GS, Land Cruiser LC200, Lexus LS, NX, IS, and RC.

Production will suspend starting April 3 and will resume between April 7 to 15. It will cut about 36,000 units in terms of volume for Toyota.

Japanese Carmakers Pledge to Keep Manufacturing Going Despite COVID-19

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda and chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) pledged that assembly plants in Japan “would do all they can to remain producing cars and trucks” in spite of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“Production shall be continued,” says Toyoda. “Otherwise, we will cause troubles and inconvenience to our customers. So, we shall never stop production activities.”

The move is in stark contrast to carmakers situated in Europe and the United States where production stoppages were put in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Toyoda though conceded that output adjustments will be necessitated due to supply shortages and declining demand.

Nissan, for instance, has implemented sporadic suspensions at some Japan plants amid parts shortages, while Honda has slowed output of some models.

Moreover, Toyoda said it was too early to make predictions about how bad the impact will be or how long the industry interruptions will last. JAMA usually releases its Japan domestic market sales forecast for the fiscal year starting April 1 around this time. But it held off doing so on Thursday amid the uncertainty.

“People will turn negative if they keep thinking seriously about things that are not controllable,” said Toyota. “The biggest factor behind the current economic situation is unrest people are feeling because of uncertainties.”

Ford PH, Toyota PH Extend Warranties, Offers PMS Grace Period During Enhanced Community Quarantine

Following Honda Cars Philippines’s lead, two other automakers have announced extensions to either their warranties and/or an additional grace period for those with scheduled Periodic Maintenance Service.

For Ford owners, the American carmaker is extending the warranty of vehicles that will expire during the Enhanced Community Quarantine up to one month after the quarantine is lifted. This is likewise extended to customers who have availed of their Premium Extended Warranty.

Meanwhile, Toyota Motor Philippines has announced that vehicles whose warranty is or will expire during the period of the Enhanced Community Quarantine will be given a 30-day extension. Moreover, for vehicles with scheduled PMS, they will be given a 30-day grace period as well.

Mazda Philippines has also opted to do the same with their Yojin-3 program which also offered a 30-day grace period during the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine.

UPDATED: Toyota Financial Services Extends Auto Loan Payment by 30 Days

UPDATE: Toyota Motor Philippines has released guidelines. See below (3/20).

In light of the current COVID-19 situation, Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation TFSPH has taken the lead and given eligible customers a 30-day payment extension.

In an advisory, TFSPC said:

“Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation values the health and safety of our customers. In light of the current COVID-19 situation our country is facing, we would like to provide assistance to our customers. 

We will give a 30-day payment extension to all qualified accounts. Eligible customers will be notified by SMS in the coming days. 

Should you choose to settle your monthly amortization on your original due date, you may do so.”

Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corporation’s move echoes similar moves done by banking giants such as BDO which is offering up to a 60-day payment extension for qualified auto loan accounts.

TFSPH is part of Toyota’s sales finance companies. It’s owned 60 percent by Toyota Motor Corporation, and 40 percent by GT Capital Holdings, Inc.

Guidelines on the 30-Day Payment Extension

• The 30-day payment extension will start from March 18 to April 18, 2020. Accounts due within the 30-day period will not incur penalty charges. Payments is deferred during the extension period plus the following month’s amortization should be settled on or before the next due date.
• Accounts enrolled through the Auto-Debit Payment method will not be charged within the 30-day payment extension. However, accounts will be debited after April 18, 2020.
• Post-dated checks issued within the 30-day payment extension will not be credited. PDCs should be funded on or before the next due date.
• The deferred amortization plus the following month’s amortization should be paid on or before the next due date.
• Current and unpaid accounts as of March 18, 2020 are qualified for the 30-day extension period.
• TFSPH does not allow restructuring. The 30-day payment extension is a TFSPH initiated program to extend assistance to their clients during the enhanced community quarantine period.
• Unfortunately, payments received prior will not be credited back to accounts.

Toyota PH Production to Halt Until Mid-April

Toyota Motor Corporation has suspended production in Europe, and the Philippines because of the spread of COVID-19.

Toyota will suspend operations at five of its manufacturing facilities situated in France, United Kingdom, Poland, Czech Republic, and Turkey until further notice.

Meanwhile, the Santa Rosa, Laguna plant is also shut down until an unspecified time in mid-April. The factory currently makes the Vios sub-compact sedan and Innova compact MPV.

Toyota said it was suspending output at the facilities in line with government guidelines in those countries that are aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

It also said that its Tianjin plant in China will continue operating on only a single shift. The factory, a joint venture with that country’s FAW, normally operates on double shifts and makes the Corolla, Crown, and Avalon sedans, among other nameplates.

Toyota said its three other plants in China have resumed normal production following earlier suspensions in that country. The company’s plants in Japan are also operating normally.

By contrast, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., are slowing production of some lines in Japan to adjust for supply chain problems. Neither company would give details about what vehicles or factories are affected or how much output is being dialed back.

Subaru Corp. and Mitsubishi Motors Corp. reported no major interruptions at their Japanese plants.

With reports from Automotive News