Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) announced that it will be debuting the next-generation Toyota Tamaraw Modern Public Utility Vehicle (MPUV) at the first Philippine International Truck Show (PITS), which will be held at Hall 1 of the SMX Convention Center Manila from October 22 to 24, 2026.
TMP is positioning the next-gen Tamaraw MPUV as a “National Car,” and it is said to showcase Toyota’s quality, reliability, and durability to the public transportation sector. The vehicle was first previewed at Toyota’s Santa Rosa manufacturing plant. The Toyota Tamaraw MPUV is intended to be a public transport vehicle that addresses the “needs of transport operators, local government units, and government offices.”
The Japanese car brand added that the addition of the MPUV body configuration for the Tamaraw is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to the local transport sector.
“The Tamaraw truly is a blank canvas, taking different forms to help people realize their dreams. We are happy—and proud—to build it… Through the Tamaraw MPUV, let us bring our strengths together to make everyday life better—for commuters, transport operators, and communities. That is how we want to contribute to the Philippines: by delivering something people can use, depend on, and truly value in their daily lives,” said Toyota Motor Philippines President Masando Hashimoto.
Back in May 2026, TMP President Hashimoto personally announced that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially granted the Toyota Tamaraw the “Modern PUV” certification, which allows the Tamaraw to be maximized and used for public transportation.
TMP President Hashimoto added that the Tamaraw’s “Modern PUV” certification is a major step in having a modern public transport system for the Filipinos. He also shared that the DOTr certification further strengthens the brand’s vision of making the Tamaraw a true “National Car.”
Alongside the unveiling of the Tamaraw MPUV, Toyota will be displaying multiple conversions of the Toyota Tamaraw. Visitors to the first PITS will get the chance to see Tamaraw Freezer Van, GL Dropside, Utility Van, Food Truck, and Fire Truck conversions. The Tamaraw Utility Van and GL Dropside will also be available for public test drives for customers.
Meanwhile, TMP will also be participating in the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, which will also take place at the SMX Convention Center Manila from October 22 to 24. The brand will display multiple Toyota electrified vehicles at its booth. Customers can expect to see the bZ4X battery EV, Hilux battery EV, Zenix hybrid EV, and the Corolla Cross hybrid EV in the metal. Customers can also see the Lexus ES HEV and Lexus RZ BEV on display.
Autocar’s Take
Toyota Motor Philippines is all set to introduce the Tamaraw MPUV, a vehicle that is meant to be a public transport vehicle. Toyota PH decided to launch the new Tamaraw MPUV at the first Philippine International Truck Show (PITS), which is a good venue since the show aims to give visitors a chance to see a wide range of commercial vehicles, truck applications, body configurations, and new technologies designed to address the changing requirements of Philippine businesses and transport operators. The first PITS is set to kick off on October 22 and run until October 24, 2026, at Hall1 of the SMX Convention Center Manila.
