Bangkok--Sep 6--Toyota Motor
Toyota Celebrates “One-Year Anniversary of IMV Project” Domestic Sales Over 175,000 Units Over 43,500 Units Exported Total Export Value over 33,800 Baht
Mr. Ryoichi Sasaki, President, Toyota Motor Thailand. Co., Ltd., and Mr. Paiboon Waiquamdee, Executive Vice President, jointly announced the One-Year Anniversary of IMV Project in the press conference held together with marketing activities to thank you the customers and to celebrate the success of ‘Hilux VIGO’ on 5 September 2005 at the Ballroom, Queen Sirikit’s National Convention Center.
Toyota Motor Thailand announced, on 19 September 2002, the commencement of IMV-Innovative-International Multi-purpose Vehicle Project to manufacturing 1-ton pick-up trucks and multi-purpose vehicles as well as engines and spare parts for domestic and export markets, with a total investment of 30 billion Baht. The first vehicle under the ‘IMV’ project was introduced into the market on 25 August 2004 under the name ‘Hilux VIGO… to the Prefect Drive’. The official public launch was organized during 3 — 5 September, 2004 in the grand ‘Hilux VIGO Expo’ held at Meung Thong Thani and Toyota Showrooms nationwide. Hilux VIGO was successfully received by the market with the high record of 22,000 bookings within the introductory period of 3 days. Next in line was the 4WD PPV ‘Fortuner…The World is Mine’ launched on 24 November 2004. The tow models have created phenomena in one-ton pickup truck market, especially Fortuner in the PPV segment, and have become the market’s favorites. Following the domestic achievement, Toyota has begun exporting CBUs and spare parts to 90 countries worldwide since November, 2004.
Mr. Ryoichi Sasaki, President, stated that “IMV project does not only make Thailand one of the biggest pick-up truck manufacturing bases in the world, it also contributes positively to the overall economy of the country especially in the field of automotive industry. Moreover, it has led to more employment and transference of technology and knowledge necessary for the industry”.
“Since the launch, IMV vehicles, both Hilux VIGO and Fortuner, have gained enormous popularity from customers across the country. The accumulated sales volume to date is as high as 175,416 units. On top of this, we have exported Hilux pick-ups and Fortuner to other countries in ASEAN, Oceania, Africa, South America, the Middle East and Europe, totaling over 43,500 units. When combined with the export of engines, assembly parts, spare parts, accessories and other items, the IMV project has generated the export income of more than 33,800 units. Moreover, the exporting target of this year is 100,000 units and in line with engines and parts, Toyota expects to bring in the export income of 52 billion Baht into the country. It is to say that IMV is the proud project of Toyota as the pick-up trucks produced in Thailand under the project is of world class standard accepted by customers globally”, Mr. Sasaki further revealed.
He also added that “Following the success of Hilux VIGO which has been greatly welcome by customers in both domestic and export markets, we have announced the plan to expand the pick-up production capacity. The new plant is being built on the 341 Highway in Baan Poh, Chachoengsoa province, covering over 1,000 rais of land. This new plant will be the first complete eco plant in Thailand and one among those in the world. It will yield the least negative externality to the environment, as according to the Toyota Philosophy. Importance will be placed on reduction of energy usage; air pollution control; reduction of water usage and water treatment process to ensure water is reusable; and zero landfill practice. The new plant is expected to open for operation in 2007 with the production capacity of 100,000 units annually. This volume combined with that of Samrong Plant would make the production capacity under the 'IMV’ as high as 350,000 units per year and even more, should there be an increased demand from the market”.
Mr. Paiboon Waiquamdee, Executive Vice President, said that “It is indeed our pride that vehicles under the IMV project have succeeded in winning the strong support from the Thai customers. It can be seen by Hilux VIGO one-year sales of 154,526 units. The sales figure together with those of Fortuner’s have made the highest sales of 175,416 in Thailand’s one-ton pickup market. If taking into account the sales of Common Rail pick-up, which Toyota is the first to install Common Rail engine in pick-up truck since 2001, the total sales volume would be as high as 450,000 units. In the occasion of the One-Year Anniversary of the IMV Project, Toyota therefore organizes the ‘Fuel Efficiency Testimonial Day’ event to thanks all our customers” as follows;
Event Title:
“Fuel Efficiency Testimonial Day”With Hilux VIGO — the true Common Rail Pick-up LeaderDATE: 24 — 25 September 2005TIME: 10.00 — 21.00 HrsVENUE: Active Square, Meung Thong Thani
Event Activities:
‘Eco Run’ with the True Common Rail Pick-Up…witness fuel consumption efficiently of the perfect pick-up Hilux VIGO - 2WD on the actual driving conditions by 400 actual Hilux VIGO owners from the 4 regions across the country heading to Meung Thong Thani;
Energy Saving Talk show…join save the energy wagon with the talk show hosted by two leading hosts from ‘Newstalk: Kui Khui Khaw’ — Mr. Sorayut Sutassanjinda and Mr. Kanok RAkwongsakul;
Grand Folks Concert from Grammy…led by Got-Jakrapun — Mike Piromporn — Tai Orathai and many more.
Be the proud owner of ‘Hilux VIGO — the Perfect Fuel Economy Pick-Up the True Favorite” with full range of services from:-
“Toyota Sure”…quality second-hand Toyota dealing service at satisfactory prices;
“Toyota Leasing”…leasing services with special offers and conditions — a trustworthy service from Toyota’s subsidiary — Toyota Leasing Thailand Co., Ltd;
“Toyota Accessories”…for that special touch to all models of Toyota car;
“e-Toyota Club”…enroll for online news and information update; and “GOA Insurance”…vehicle insurance service with conditions and protections from leading insurance companies.
“Fuel Efficiency Testimonial Day” will be held in other 10 provinces nationwide:
1 — 2 October Surat Thanee 12 — 13 November Pitsanulok
8 — 9 October Trang 19 — 20 November Sara Buri
15 — 16 October Supan Buri 26 — 27 November Udon Thani
22 — 23 October Racha Buri 3 — 4 December Ubonrachathani
29 — 30 October Nakornsawan 10 — 11 December Chonburi
Experience the fuel consumption efficiency of the perfect pick-up Hilux VIGO at Active Square, Meung Thong Thani, 24 — 25 September 2005, and in other 10 provinces nationwide during October — December.
Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net End.