Is your kid into cars? Does their head swivel every time they hear sports car zoom by? Want to foster that interest but don't know where to start? The Toyota Kids Tech Workshop can be that first step. 

Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), in partnership with Toyota Alabang Inc. (TAI), recently held a Kids Tech Workshop at the Toyota Alabang Service Center. The event aimed to foster road safety awareness and nurture early interest in automotive technology through hands-on activities and interactive exhibits for children and their families.

Held last June 3, 2025, the workshop welcomed participants aged 4 to 18 and featured several learning stations focused on basic car mechanics and road safety principles. Children were guided by trained instructors as they tried their hands at installing windshield wipers, learning how anti-pinch power windows work, rebuilding engine parts like crankshafts and camshafts, and identifying engine components.

As a parent and uncle to four girls, Sia, Georgia, Sab, and Gia, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give them a peek of a small part of their Dad's, and Tito's career.

There was an exciting, live demonstration of Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), the brand's suite of driver-assistance technologies, where participants were able to observe the Pre-Collision System (PCS) in action, inside a controlled area of the service center. Stations such as the racing sim rig and the RC driving course were a big hit with the participants, guardians and parents included.

The workshop also included discussions on hybrid vehicle technology, giving participants an introduction to the mechanics and environmental benefits of Toyota's sustainable mobility solutions.

Just minutes into the experience, the four girls eagerly shared what they learned. I got to put together an engine, said Sia. Georgia said she enjoyed building the engine and assembling the windshield wiper. Sab described how she changed the tires and used power tools, while Gia recounted taking off the bumper and figuring out how to put it back. During the buffet lunch break, the children also expressed how much they appreciated the experience of learning about cars in a fun and safe environment.

I’m very impressed, and very grateful there are events like this for kids. They enjoyed the RC course, the sim rig, and the engine rebuild. I've yet to see any real interest or improvement in their knowledge of cars, but hopefully something is brewing inside their brains.

TMP Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services, Andy Ty, highlighted the importance of early education in shaping the future of the auto industry. Here at Toyota, we believe that education plays a crucial role in building a safer and more innovative future, said Ty. The automotive industry will continue to evolve with and for the younger generation, so it is important to increase their awareness and interest in the industry that already plays a part in their daily lives. Kids Tech is a great way to showcase the automotive industry, and we hope there are more opportunities to do so.

Through initiatives like the Kids Tech Workshop, Toyota continues to expand its outreach beyond traditional car ownership, helping children become more familiar with safety, technology, and sustainability in mobility. It’s part of an effort to connect with the next generation who may one day drive the industry forward.