The Philippine automotive market’s best-selling model, the Toyota Vios subcompact sedan once again received the much-coveted “Automobile of the Year” title at the Awards Night of the “2012-2013 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards” (AFPCA) held last Thursday, November 7, 2013 at The Venue of the SM Mall of Asia. The Vios accomplished the first ever back-to-back win for the top award in the 9-year history of the AFPCA, which was first launched in 2005.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Fifty percent of the Philippine passenger car market—by any standard, a car that’s as sellable as this is also the most influential. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise then that the all-new Toyota Vios is the most important car of the year. Forget cup car racing or DJ parties, I finally got behind the wheel of this hotly-anticipated vehicle and here’s my verdict: damn, they got it right this time.

According to the most recent CAMPI report, the best-selling vehicle in the Philippines has once again set its new sales record last August 2013. Since its introduction a decade ago, the Toyota Vios attained its highest sales volume registering 2,125 units in a single month compared to its previous highest sales posted in December 2012 of 1,760 units.

Last August 17, 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) gave a preview of heart-racing fun piloted by the All-New Vios at the recently held World of Toyota Motor Show. Focused on waku-doki , which is FUN in Japanese, some of the Philippines’ most exciting stars gathered to #startthefun at the World Trade Center by driving the country’s no. 1 selling car!  Celebrities like Rhian Ramos, Aljur Abrenica, Sam YG and Phoemela Barranda were just a few of the many personalities who drove the all-new fun machine!

Vios—derived from the Latin word meaning “to move forward”—seems like a fitting nameplate for a car that’s destined to bring Toyota Motor Philippines to new heights and bring its product-led transformation to the next chapter: the mass-market. The undisputed leader in the sub-compact car segment since the launch of the first-generation model in 2002, the all-new, third-generation Vios aims to cement that lead further, and in the process, add another nail to the competitors’ coffins.

UPDATE: Toyota will be offering public test drives of the all-new Vios at the Alabang Town Center, Eastwood Mall, and Bonifacio Global City on July 13-14. This is a day after the official launch party at the NBC Tent which will feature DJ Amely among others. For tickets and more information about the "Vios Vibe" launch party, log onto: ViosStarttheFun.com

This June 2013, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) teases you with a more dynamically-designed car that has grown to be a favorite amongst the Filipinos. Catch a glimpse of the much-awaited vehicle as it storms the streets of Manila and key areas in Luzon until June 23, 2013! Be the first to start the fun by taking a snapshot of the all-new Vios!

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Budget-friendly motorists, as well as taxi and fleet companies, will certainly look more stylish as Toyota has given its Vios sub-compact car a global reveal at the Bangkok International Motor Show. The all-new Vios features a head-turning look inspired by the recently launched RAV4 and to some degree, the 86 sportscar.

Spy Shots courtesy of Sohu Auto

The second-generation Toyota Vios has been in the market since 2007 which means a full model change is long overdue. Now, reports indicate a possible global unveil at the 2013 Bangkok International Motor Show in March.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation has announced that it will voluntarily recall 22,000 units of vehicles sold between 2006-2010 over fire risk coming from faulty power windows.

In a report from InterAksyon says Rommel Gutierrez, TMPC vice-president said that the recall covers the Camry, Corolla Altis, RAV4, Vios, and Yaris models manufactured in Japan and Thailand.

Gutierrez will start identifying the affected vehicles and will notify owners through mail.

This recall is part of the larger 7.43-million vehicle recall that Toyota is doing worldwide. It's the largest recall of vehicles since Ford in 1996.

Source: InterAkyson

UPDATE: Here's the official statement from Toyota Motor Philippines

“In line with our commitment to produce safety and quality, Toyota has initiated a Special Service Campaign (SSC) for Camry (except Camry 3.5Q), Corolla, RAV4, Vios and Yaris models produced from 2006 to 2010. For the affected vehicles, the sliding electrical contact point in the driver’s side Power Window Master Switch may experience a “notchy” or sticking feeling during operation which causes the button to get stuck. If vehicles are serviced in non-Toyota dealer and commercially available lubricant is used, melting of the switch assembly may occur. As a preventive measure, we will inspect the Power Window Master Switch and apply specialized grease or replace specific component if deemed necessary, at no cost to the customer. This program will be offered at all Toyota dealers only.” – Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, VP Corporate Affairs, Toyota Motor Philippines.

If you have been experiencing any of these inconveniences with the Power Window Master Switch, please contact your nearest Toyota dealer to schedule your appointment.

For more information, please contact the TOYOTA CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER (CAC) at (02) 819-2912 or email: customerassistance@toyota.com.ph. 

Photo by Ulysses Ang

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) joins the 4th Philippine International Motorshow (PIMS) organized by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) with a “Fun to Drive” theme.  The 380-square meter TMP booth will feature the new 86 TRD, all-new Camry, Innova and Fortuner TRD.  TMP has also launched the 86 Aero variant and the limited edition Vios TRD at the said event.  The 4th PIMS will be held from August 16 to 19, 2012 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Now on its fourth year, the PIMS, shall showcase a host of new products under the theme “Drive the Fun.”  As the country’s biggest automotive company, Toyota, for its part, will make its booth spectacular by showcasing exciting sportier products.

According to TMP President Mr. Michinobu Sugata, “Today we have shown you a glimpse of Toyota’s new direction. Ladies and gentlemen, this is only the beginning. We at Toyota are proud to bring you even more exciting vehicles in the future.”

Photos by Ulysses Ang

Let’s face it—we’re going to be late again.  Rushing through a mid-afternoon’s Metro traffic, our humble Toyota Echo zipped between bigger motor vehicles.  The 1.3-liter engine was clearly given a thrashing as the responsive four-speed auto ‘box gave us much needed accelerating power.  We subjected ourselves to a slightly sore backside for the sake of motoring journalism.