That’s odd. We honestly assumed that as Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), they automatically become the distributor of Toyota Racing Development (TRD) in the country. Apparently not. But they are now after the partnership was announced last week.
In case you didn’t know, TRD is Toyota’s in-house tuning shop for both performance upgrades and motorsports. These guys design and manufacture accessories, suspension parts, engine modifications, and wheels, which are then sold through Toyota dealers world wide. And as the name suggests, TRD also runs Toyota’s racing program in Super GT, Super Formula, and All-Japan Formula 3 just to name a few.
As for the Philippines, TRD was heavily involved with the recently-concluded Vios Cup. Not only did they supply all the parts to turn a standard subcompact into a race-worthy machine, but they also helped test and develop the base setup. Heck, they even sent over some top-level execs just to observe and look after each race.
And to expand the partnership one step further, TMP has collaborated with Toyota Technocraft Co. Ltd. (the company behind TRD) to become the exclusive local distributor of the performance brand.
So, what happens now? Well, you should be glad to know that you’ll be able to find, shop, and buy TRD products from all 43 Toyota dealerships nationwide in the not so distant future.
Yes, you’ll now have a much better-looking (and functional) alternative to those cheap and ghastly accessories some dealerships sell. On top of that, TMP also has plans of making performance parts available quite soon. But do remember that quality and taste may come at a price – a price we’re all willing to pay.
“As the sole distributor in the Philippines, the public will see a wide range of TRD products designed to provide our Toyota customers a more enjoyable and sportier driving feel. We are set to expand our future TRD line-up with performance parts for motorsports enthusiasts,” said TMP President Michinobu Sugata.
