MANILA, Philippines — The new Toyota Alphard was presented Wednesday at the Bonifacio High Street in The Fort area, Taguig, a reminder of the strong presence of the number one automaker in the country – in the middle of the holiday cheer that has covered the plush shopping area.

Despite the natural calamities that hampered its supply pipeline starting with the great eastern earthquake and tsunami in March, and recently, the floods in Thailand, Toyota Motor Company Philippines is “back on track in no time and has even managed to achieve several milestones during the 2nd semester of the year,” Mr. Michinobu Sugata, TMP president announced during the Christmas lunch with motoring journalists Wednesday.

“TMP has achieved its 700,000 unit accumulated vehicle sales milestone last September, its highest sales in a single month of 5,895 units registered last October and record breaking Commercial Vehicle sales in November at 4,293 units, despite another calamity in Thailand.

Our local production at Santa Rosa resumed its two shift  operations from Nov. 28, and I am happily informing you that we are able to continue our full production until today. Today is the last working day of our production this year,” Mr. Sugata said.

TMP’s record sales performance strengthens its hold on the Triple Crown Title for 2011 – for the 10th consecutive year!

TMP was also awarded by the People Management Association of the Philippines as the Employer of the Year for 2011 in Cagayan de Oro City – the first automotive, as well as the first Japanese-affiliated company in the Philippines to receive this distinction in the 34-year history of the awards group.

Mr. Sugata said TMP was able “to weather the storm and remain on top of the automotive industry” earlier than expected because of the efforts exerted by its mother company TMC, subsidiaries and dedicated team members.

He also thanked the members of media and TMP Filipino officers for extending kind words of sympathy and donations to the Japanese people after the great earthquake calamity.

Recently, TMP, as a member of the Metrobank Group, donated P5 million to assist the emergency and relief operations in the areas hit by Typhoon Sendong in Visayas and Mindanao.

“We would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences to the affected people in these regions,” he said.

“Last, but not the least, I would like to invite everyone to visit the new Toyota Alphard on display at the Bonifacio High Street activity area right across the street,” he said.

The new Toyota Alphard continues the reputation of a minivan that gives business class comfort in road travel. Captain seats in the second row can be fully reclined, with power ottoman for leg support.  Twin moon roofs give another view of the sky and the landscape.

Driver comfort is supported by features in luxury cars, like a six-way power-adjustable seats with memory and auto slide function.

It is available in two variants –2.4-liter and 3.5-liter engine, all automatic transmission.

Both models sport new head lamps, washer, mag wheels, front grille and bumper.