The largest automaker in the Philippines showed off its latest motor show brand identity display, Wave Design at the Philippine International Motor Show. Opening the waku-doki themed display was concert queen Sarah Geronimo. After her mini concert, it was down to business where Mr. Michinobu Sugata reiterated Toyota’s commitment to bring motorsports to the people by bringing the third round of the Toyota Vios Cup to Manila. The race, which will be held on October 18 to 19 will be at a specially designed circuit in McKinley, Taguig.

Toyota also showed off the Fun Vii Concept, a car inspired by modern smartphones. Called a mobile mood ring by some, the Fun Vii is designed to change instantly inside and out. The massive LED-screen exterior allows for a personalized display outside while allowing the connected car to communicate with roadways, infrastructure, and other cars.


In terms of production models, Toyota’s strong-selling Fortuner and Hilux get minor updates for the 2015 model year. The Fortuner gets new fog lamp bezel, gunmetal-colored alloy wheels, smoked headlights and tail lamps from the outside and a black leather interior inside. Though the Fortuner doesn’t get any mechanical changes for 2015, prices have increased by P 5,000. On the other hand, the Hilux gets a new variant, the Hilux TRD. Like the Fortuner, the Hilux TRD gets a black interior. Outside, it gets TRD front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, TRD alloy wheels and decals. Available solely in a 4x2 M/T variant, the Hilux TRD retails for P 1,225,000.