Bliss at Toyota Tent Event

It all started with a song and dance number. Literally.

Versatile performers and theater actors Gian Magdangal, Sheree, Ampy Sietereales and the Whiplash dancers romped it up onstage in a Chicago musical-inspired performance heralding not only the return of the much awaited “Toyota Tent Event,” the biggest Toyota car sale of the year from August 18-23, 2011 at the NBC Tent in Bonifacio Global City but also celebrating the twenty-third anniversary of Toyota Motors Philippines.

After we were all bedazzled by all the sequins that were bobbing up and down onstage, TMP president Michinobu Sugata took to the stage to deliver a speech that was equal parts drama and inspiration. Initially faced with the prospect of scaling down plant operations due to the 2011 Great Eastern Earthquake, Japanese resilience and determination have since led to the resumption of normal operations for TMP. In fact, they have regained their market footing and reclaimed the number one position across all vehicles categories in July alone.

Their ability to rebound from tragedy this year makes this year’s six-day event more meaningful “The 2011 Amazing Toyota Tent Event is a way of showing our sincerest appreciation to our customers.” said Sugata. “In doing this, I believe we are able to provide the best products at the most affordable price to every Filipino.”

And as a special guest in this year’s Toyota Tent Event launch (but who did not take part in the musical performance) was Toyota’s legendary chief engineer, Kaoru Hosokawa, the man behind the success of the company’s International Innovative Multi-Purpose Vehicles (IMV) the Fortuner and the Hilux.

Toyota Motors Philippines (TMP) president Michinobu Sugata

When Hosokawa-san’s name rang across the stage, the Toyota believers began to slobber in his presence. This gentleman (whom, I kid you not, reminds you of one of those laboratory scientists from Japanese robot manga cartoons) has been at the forefront of improving on the Fortuner and Hilux designs by enhancing the exterior styling, crafting a more sophisticated interior design and significantly improving riding comfort without sacrificing stability, durability and handling.

But the biggest slobber-inducing reveal of the performance came from the new Fortuner, boasting a prestigious and bold new design that passed even the scrutiny of the MTRCB.   Among other improvements, the 2011 Fortuner comes along with a newly designed front fascia, HID projector type lamps with auto leveling, auto light control and headlamp washers. One of the biggest enhancements to the Fortuner are the adjusted shock absorbers and springs, and seat material improvement, giving an enhanced driving comfort. Not to be outdone, the 2011 Hilux showed off its new front bumpers, front fenders, radiator grille, headlamp (plus standard 17” alloy wheels for the G-grade variant).

But probably the most slobber-inducing feature of them all (as far as I am concerned) is the USB, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. Now traffic will never get me down as long as I can shamelessly listen to several hours worth of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits in the comfort (and protection) of the new Fortuner. Or Hilux. Or Fortuner. Or…

Hmmm, this led to my next problem.

Kaoru Hosokawa, chief engineer, TMC; Michinobu Sugata, president, TMP

As I plan to exponentially grow my family (along with the number of yayas) over the next several years, I was thinking that vehicle like the Fortuner would be sturdy enough to handle all that domestic bliss. However, when my wife momentarily allows me to escape domestic bliss and relive my inner bachelor (but with all matrimonial commitments intact), then that is a chance for me to drive freely on a rugged terrain (or at least along the potholes of EDSA) in a Hilux.

Sigh. As I painstakingly choose which vehicle I would like to have parked in my garage (and also decide what will be my ninth job I will take on to pay for the new car), I urge my fellow men — bachelor and non-bachelor alike — to drop by the Toyota tent event and test drive selected Toyota vehicles including the new Fortuner and Hilux.

During the event (which is free admission, by the way — because the best things in life are free), visitors can get instant discounts over and above the ongoing Amazing Midyear Madness promo. 

There are even flexible financing packages will also be offered to cater to the budget of every customer! You can choose from any of their Pay Low, Pay Light, Pay Cash, Pay Later or Pay Easy schemes. Toyota Financial Services (TFS) will also provide on-site approval of financing schemes that will be tailored to fit your needs (I might not need that ninth job after all).

And because Toyota loves you that much, customers get a chance to draw up to P100, 000 worth of discounts, which can be availed of on top of your new Toyota purchase!

Kaoru Hosokawa, chief engineer, Toyota Motor Corp.

Meanwhile, for the true Toyota believers who want to better themselves, they can trade in their old vehicles and get up to P50,000 additional trade-in value when they purchase their brand new Toyota. And since Toyota wants to show you true believers more loving, customers who place their reservations from August 18 to 23 will be entitles more discounts of up to P20,000!

For those who want to do the math: this means that customers get a chance to save up to (wait for it, wait for it) P170,000 just by visiting the tent event (and maybe even getting Hosokawa-san to autograph your car).

You can even go home with an iPod Nano or shuffle to boot during the daily draws by just attending the event!

And the best part about the Toyota tent event? You can avail of all the discounts without having to do a song and dance number.

(Oh, by the way, because Toyota loves you wherever you are, customers can also visit any of the authorized Toyota dealers and avail of special showroom promotions!)

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Kaoru Hosokawa, TMC chief engineer; Yuji Goto, EVP; Raymond Rodriguez, FVP, marketing; Santos Guerrero, SVP, marketing; Dr. David Go, SEVP; Michinobu Sugata, president

For more information on the Toyota Tent Event, log on to www.toyota.com.ph, contact the customer assistance center at 819 2912 or visit any of the 28 authorized Toyota dealers nationwide.

*Valid for all vehicles except Vios J, Hiace, Alphard, LC200, LC Prado Gas New Fortuner and New Hilux