The Internet has been set ablaze with the confirmation that Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) would return the Tamaraw nameplate to the country.

The Japanese automaker has even been quoted saying that it is ready to invest ₱4.4 billion to bring it back.

However, this got us wondering why a brand would invest so much money just to bring back a famous model for a specific market.

Also read: Tamaraw nameplate to make PH comeback?

Not just for the Philippines

While the hype is great for a returning nameplate, we must remember that Toyota is a global company.

Investing billions of pesos to produce a specific nameplate for one market wouldn’t be the best financial idea. Instead, the brand may be planning to build units locally, then exporting them to other ASEAN markets that may want the vehicle. 

More clues to this predicament could lie in Toyota’s reveal of the all-new Hilux EV and IMV-O concept car.

Also read: An all-new Hilux EV on the horizon? Toyota unveils concept pickups at Thai market anniversary

Why the IMV-O concept matters

The concept vehicle was designed to adapt to Thai customers' usage patterns and lifestyles by allowing more significant and easier customization.

It could also indicate that the Japanese brand has already created a general-use vehicle for use in different ASEAN regional markets.

Since TMP sources most of its vehicles from Thailand, this concept car could be the next iteration of the Tamaraw. 

The new vehicle will take over the cudgels left behind by the Toyota Innova, which has now shifted to a front-wheel-drive platform with option hybrid tech.

The Toyota IMV-O concept is the brand’s answer to markets looking for a utility vehicle that can be customized to fit multiple uses.

The IMV-O is still a concept car, but its final “Tamaraw” form may differ from what was shown.

The production version will likely retain diesel power, but Toyota may also adapt the platform for electric-vehicle use as the chassis seems suited for this application.

As for the ₱4.4 billion, it could mean that Toyota Motor Philippines is ready to build the next generation Toyota Tamaraw here for the local market and for export. 

For now, it's a waiting game to see what Toyota Motor Philippines will have in store. What would you like to see in the next Tamaraw?

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