What could Toyota possibly launch at PIMS 2024?
PIMS 2024 happens October 24 to 27
There’s only a month left before the 2024 Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) opens its doors at the World Trade Center. In the days and weeks leading up to the event, it’s usually the time when participating manufacturers give a hint or tease about which models they could bring in.
Recently, Toyota was among those who gave an early teaser of what could possibly be present on their lineup at PIMS 2024. They shared a short social media video with two covered cars split by the Yaris Cross and suggested that we should get ready for an electrifying experience.
Since Toyota is number 1 in terms of sales in the country, we know that a lot are excited and looking forward to getting those mystery models uncovered. Well, we here at Autoindustriya.com would like to add more fuel to that excitement and tell you which models could those possibly be.
Take note: These are only based on publicly available information that we have gathered from the past few months, and some insider scoops from reliable sources.
GR Yaris facelift with 8-speed A/T
Yes, yes, yes. We know it’s far from being an electrified model, but Toyota always likes to come up with these kinds of surprises especially when the biennial PIMS comes around. This time, there’s a chance we could see the “Evolved” Toyota GR Yaris make its way to the country.
The updated AWD Turbo hatchback got a slight exterior update, a stiffer chassis, and a revised dashboard design for better ergonomics. But the most significant change involves a bump in power from its 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine and a new transmission. The G16E-GTS now puts out 304 PS and 400 Nm of torque, and now comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual and a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
In the ASEAN market, the updated GR Yaris has already made its way to Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But here in the Philippines, Toyota Motor Philippines already has a go signal to launch the model since they’ve already secured the necessary regulatory approval for it.
All-new Camry HEV
Now, we’re on to a legit electrified model – the all-new Camry. It’s been in the North American market for over a year and recently, it has made its way to Singapore which marks its Southeast Asian market arrival.
It’s slightly longer and the wheelbase is stretched out a bit more to open up more space inside. In the looks department, the “hammerhead” front end sees the Camry get slimmer and sharper headlights along with C-shaped taillights at the back. Along with a new dashboard design, the Camry’s 2.5-liter unit is now paired with two electric motors, increasing power to 228 PS.
Like the GR Yaris, TMP has already secured regulatory approval for the midsize sedan, proving that, unlike its Accord rival, the Camry is here to stay.
All-new Prius HEV
Speaking of regulatory approvals, here’s another approved model that Toyota could bring in for its comeback – the all-new Prius. It shares the same 1.8-liter engine with the Corolla Altis and Corolla Cross but comes with lithium-ion batteries.
It received a significant glow-up for the latest generation and with import duties for hybrid vehicles cut to zero with Executive Order 62, the timing is finally ideal for TMP as the Prius can enjoy more competitive pricing.
All-new Vios
It’s been a long time coming, but PIMS could finally be the time we get to see the all-new Vios with the DNGA platform. We know a lot of people have been waiting for this, but we think it’s also due to the retooling going on at TMP’s Santa Rosa plant.
If we can recall, TMP is still readying its production plant to produce the new Tamaraw. That means, the Santa Rosa plant will be making three instead of two (Innova, current-gen Vios) models. Since it will cost TMP a lot of money to do another retooling for the DNGA Vios while the Tamaraw project is ongoing, we think that the first few batches of the all-new Vios could come as a CBU (completely built-up) imported from Thailand or Malaysia for the time being.
That also aligns with some of the rumors going around that this year could be the final year for the current-generation Vios Cup cars being raced in the TGR Philippine Cup. In other ASEAN countries where the Vios one-make race is being held, they are already using the all-new DNGA Vios.
