EVERY car launch is a momentous event as it resembles the coming of a new-born baby. The recent unveiling of the eighth generation Lexus ES was no exception.
Brilliantly emceed by the famed Issa Litton, the occasion immediately became the talk of the town as avid car enthusiasts packed the Lexus Gallery Manila for a look-see of the iconic Lexus flagship. And to give you a ringside view of the spectacle, it is my honor to print here the speech of Alfred V. Ty, the always dapper chairman of both Lexus Philippines and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP). Here:
‘The Lexus ES has been in the Philippines since Lexus arrived 17 years ago, and today, we are bringing to you the 8th generation of this iconic model.
‘Your new ES delivers the most evocative and expansive change ever. It combines a redesigned exterior, a more spacious cabin and a renewed platform and powertrain.
‘An extended wheelbase, along with improvements to the body and chassis, elevates ride comfort, handling stability and interior space, ensuring that ES transforms itself while staying true to its heritage.
‘The all-new ES is the ultimate executive sedan that provides an unparalleled passenger experience, quiet, comfort, big leg room while also offering thrilling driving moments when you are behind the wheel.
‘Most of all, the all-new ES will now come with both the hybrid electric power train and, yes, a full battery electric variant.
DOWNTREND
‘LAST year, the Philippine economy experienced a downtrend as an off-shoot of the infrastructure irregularities and extraordinary natural disasters in the second half of the year. This slowing of economic activity carried forward to 2026.
‘Matters took a turn for the worse when the war started between the USA and Iran and a fuel crisis was declared. The local-and global-economy went into a tailspin.
‘While the deceleration of GDP reflected the general decline in economic sentiment, the negative impact was more immediately felt by banks, malls, restaurants and hotels even on the first month of the war.
‘Fuel pump prices rose to record highs. The automotive market dropped in March then experienced an even more significant decline in April.
RECOVERY
‘HOWEVER, the market has started to show signs of an early recovery in May, June and July. It might be too soon to claim a recovery, but it appears that the market is hopefully heading in the right direction.
‘In light of the economic challenges, a surge in demand for new energy vehicles has been a silver lining. It is clear that electrified mobility is real. Toyota/Lexus prides itself in pioneering the transition to EVs going back to 1997 with the global launch of the Toyota Prius.
‘Since then, Toyota and Lexus have sold approximately 27 million electrified vehicles worldwide-far more than any other automaker. (This has resulted in a cumulative reduction of 197 million tons of CO2.)
MOST PREFERRED
‘IN the Philippines, Lexus has been the most preferred luxury brand. In fact, last year, thanks to your most valued support, Lexus Philippines was recognized as having the highest market share in the Asean region.
‘We remain committed to building automobiles that deliver unmatched comfort, durability and driving pleasure. As well, we continue to craft ownership experiences that are based on the highest levels of ‘omotenashi’ in the world.
‘It has been 15 years since Lexus Japan first introduced the technology of the hybrid engine and combining with the renowned quiet comfort and proven durability.
‘Since then, our offering of Lexus HEV models has increased to 9 with a total of 19 variants. Aside from today’s ES, Lexus also offers two full battery electric vehicles.
14,200 UNITS
‘CUMULATIVE sales of Lexus in the Philippines from 17 years ago has reached almost 14,200 units of which almost half are xEVs. In fact, for the first half of this year, 93 percent of our Lexus sales are electrified.
‘The recovery of auto sales was also driven by a return of demand for Internal Combustion Engine vehicles. [In May, sales of ICE vehicles rose by 32 percent from the lows of April. In June, this rose even higher by another 10 percent versus May.]
‘This fuel crisis has proven that there is a continued strong demand for xEV and ICE-driven models. This makes our multi-pathway approach to carbon neutrality more relevant.
38TH YEAR
‘JUST last Monday, August 3, Toyota Motor Philippines celebrated its 38th year of partnership with the Philippines towards nation building.
‘Last year’s 229,000 unit sales contributed 45 billion pesos in taxes to the government and another 19 billion pesos in 2026, so far. This year, Toyota and Lexus will breach the three million mark in cumulative sales from 1989. This is a humbling testament to our commitment to our relentless pursuit of perfection and to our winning the smiles of Filipinos, one Filipino at a time. We sincerely thank you for your past and continuing trust.
‘As we welcome our newest Lexus ES, I invite you all to experience its unmatched performance and comfort.
‘Thank you for joining us this evening. Please enjoy. This is your home.’
PEE STOP The next Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup is set on August 15 in Rosario, Batangas, before the event goes back to Clark in Angeles, Pampanga, possibly on September 12. As usual, the events are free to the public…Yayee Tobia sends her birthday greetings to MTRCB board members Miray Muhlach (August 8), Atty. Cesar Pareja (August 21) and Gelo Jamias (August 24). Belated birthday greetings also to BM KitaKeats Musngi (July 24). Cheers!