Toyota Motor Philippines Urges Inclusion of Hybrid Cars in New TNVS Slots

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is urging the government to reconsider its rule on the new Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) slots to include hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and gas-powered cars. Sherwin Chua-Lim, senior vice president at TMP, told reporters that the automotive firm raised its concern on the TNVS rule with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) by writing a letter and requesting a meeting. Under its Memorandum Circular (MC) 2026-084, the LTFRB opened 7,500 ride-hailing slots for the National Capital Region. These additional 7,500 slots will be exclusive for EVs such as plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs) and battery EVs (BEVs). “Conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) other than PHEVs, and other vehicle technologies that do not fall within the BEV or PHEV classifications shall not be eligible for the slots opened herein,” the LTFRB MC read. Acting LTFRB chairman Greg Pua Jr. earlier said the move aligns with the government’s push for modern, environment-friendly public transportation. TMP is pushing for a reconsideration, noting that HEVs are part of EVs being recognized by the government. “Republic Act 11697 or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) recognizes HEVs as part of the EV classification,” TMP said. “Furthermore, the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) also includes HEVs as part of the country’s vehicle electrification strategy,” it added. The EVIDA aims to accelerate EV adoption in the country, while EVIS seeks to encourage local EV manufacturing by providing incentives. TMP also pushed to include ICE vehicles in the new TNVS slots. “We also believe modern low-displacement engine technologies in today’s compact ICE vehicles have significantly improved in terms of fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Including these vehicles in the options can benefit both the operators and the riding public,” TMP said. TMP produces ICE vehicles such as the Vios, Innova and Tamaraw at its plant in Santa Rosa, Laguna. In addition to its locally produced models, TMP’s vehicle lineup includes HEVs.