‘Morizo’ coming to Manila for Toyota PH’s 35th anniversary

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is having its 35th anniversary and what better way to celebrate the milestone than with the global brand’s main man Akio Toyoda spearheading the revelries.

Based on the leading local automotive distributor’s announcement, the Toyota Motor Corporation chairman — popularly known as “Morizo” when participating in motorsport events — will topbill the upcoming Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Festival.

Per TMP, the event — set on August 23-24 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila — will serve as a gathering of motorsports enthusiasts and car aficionados “celebrating the thrill and joy of driving Toyota cars.”

“This festival is expected to serve as a grand meetup of TGR drivers and fans, aiming to form the biggest assembly of GR cars in one venue,” the company noted.

According to TMP, Morizo is expected to perform exciting and challenging driving exhibitions in front of the Filipino audience – a rare spectacle usually held in some of the world’s most renowned racetracks.

He will be joined by other Japanese champion racers from Toyota Gazoo Racing team namely Norihiko Katsuta and Masahiro Sasaki. They will use the brand’s famous race cars: Toyota WRC Yaris and Corolla D1.

Aside from the three, Filipino drivers Alex Perez, Luis Gono, Marlon Stockinger, and Ryan Agoncillo will also show their abilities in a series of drifting and gymkhana challenges using the GR Supra, GR Yaris, and GR 86.

Further, the public are welcome to join in the fun as they have a chance to ride with professional racers, win official TGR merchandise, and witness the national finals of TMP’s biggest national sim racing championship, the Toyota Gazoo Racing Gran Turismo Cup Philippines.

Moreover, performers like Ely Buendia, Ben and Ben, Parokya ni Edgar, and Kamikazee will also be at the festival to entertain and excite the crowd.

TMP is also advancing its electrified mobility as today, it is set to launch the Yaris Cross nameplate to the Philippine market.

According to TMP, the model — to be displayed in the “Go Electrified with Toyota” Fair starting today until August 6 — is positioned as its “most affordable hybrid electric vehicle” to date.

A total of 35 electrified units from Toyota and Lexus will be gathered for the three-day event at the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“We believe in giving our customers the power of choice, that is why we advocate for a multiple pathway approach to achieving carbon neutrality in mobility,” TMP President Atsuhiro Okamoto said. “Widespread adoption of electrified vehicles is one of those paths and we are glad to give the public accessible and practical electrified vehicle options.”

Lastly, TMP is also offering special anniversary deals Toyota Hilux, Fortuner, Vios, Innova, and more. Those who will avail of these select models this month will get to enjoy benefits such as discounts, and free value chain offers. The sales promotion will be for the whole month of August.

“These are just some of the activities that we have lined up for our customers this anniversary month. A lot more will be announced soon, including some initiatives to give back to the community,” added Okamoto.

Founded on August 3, 1988. TMP has already breached the two-million-unit sales milestone in March last year and just before the start of 2023, produced its one-millionth car in its manufacturing facility in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

“We dedicate this celebration to the generations of Filipino Toyota customers who have embraced the Toyota brand and became Toyota’s brand ambassadors,” Okamoto said.

Photos from Toyota

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