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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider CARS program to be succeeded by RACE program

CARS program to be succeeded by RACE program

Toyota already keen on participating

Published Jul 17, 2025 01:28 pm

At A Glance

  • The Philippine government hopes to continue the push to promote local assembly of cars in the country with a new program being conceived by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), called the Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE) program.
The Philippine government hopes to continue the push to promote local assembly of cars in the country with a new program being conceived by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Prior to this, the government had rolled out the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program to promote local vehicle assembly.
The original CARS program requires participants to produce 200,000 units of their respective entry models within a period of six years. In return, the government will provide incentives and support for manufacturers that meet specific requirements in terms of investment, production and technology development. The program was open to three participants. The past participants were Toyota with its Vios and Mitsubishi with its Mirage.
Now, the DTI hopes to follow this up with a new program called Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement (RACE), to further entice car companies to establish manufacturing operations in the country.
Similar to the CARS program, the RACE program hopes to entice local assembly and integration of locally made components into the vehicles. DTI also hopes to open up more slots for more automotive brands to participate.
Unlike the CARS program, RACE will be a department initiative and will not need an executive order for implementation, as the new program has a budget allocation in the 2025 national budget. Under the 2025 General Appropriations Act signed by the President, the government earmarked P250 million for the RACE program.
So far, it appears Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has already expressed interest in participating in the program. This time however, the company will enroll its next-generation Tamaraw. The Tamaraw began local assembly at Toyota’s Santa Rosa facility at the start of the year.
Even though assembly has already begun, TMP is still interested in participating. The company is waiting for the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) by the DTI, Department of Finance (DoF), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The JAO shall outline the rules and guidelines for participation in the RACE Program.
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