By Leon De Guinto
What do Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher and the latest enfant terrible of motorsport Max Verstappen have in common? They all took karting lessons toward Formula One racing supremacy, innate talents aside.
Karting lessons are what you may call “baby steps” to become a race driver. In karting, a child learns the basics of driving — from getting behind the wheel to actual maneuvers, to braking and gunning the gas pedal and to elemental safety practices.
It doesn’t have to be in Formula One motorsport where one can put these skills to actual use. Even in everyday use, a trained driver’s instincts or reflexes dictate the eye-hand coordination or some “muscle memory” in golf.
It’s good news to know that Toyota Motor Philippines has become the spawning hub for aspiring race drivers or Verstappen-wannabes.
Through the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy Philippines, the training ground is academy where even the experienced racers may apply, like a student pursuing a masteral or doctorate degree.
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy held its Class 2024 recently at the Clark International Speedway. Class 2024 was a two-part course that taught students racing basics such as how to identify the flags used during a race, braking points on the track, and racing etiquette.
Students were able to apply what they learned during the second half of the course through a slalom activity on the track. The lessons concluded with a ‘follow the leader’ activity where students drove around the track behind a pace car.
At least 30 individuals participated in the classes, from sim racers looking to transition to actual racing to racing fans who wanted to experience the thrill for themselves.
“For aspiring racers, the TGRA is a gateway to achieving their dreams,” shared TMP Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano. “Our mission with the TGRA is to provide a starting point for anyone who wants to try their hand at racing. We’re thrilled to know some even go on to pursue professional careers in the sport after graduating from the TGRA.”
Since its launch in 2014, the TGRA has produced skilled racers who have gone on to participate in various local racing events, including TMP’s own racing series, the TGR Vios Cup. ***
JETOUR PH sets lofty plans in motion
With everything looking up for JETOUR on a worldwide scale, JETOUR Auto Phil Inc (JAPI) had set its sights just as high for its corporate and dealership families at its 2024 Mid-Year Business Conference held last June 19 at the Solaire Resort North, Vertis North in Quezon City.
Japi reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippine market by presenting its strategic objectives for the second half of 2024 and outlining a comprehensive growth strategy for the coming year and as a young automotive brand in the Philippines. It was aiming at 60 thousand leads in the next six months and improve conversion strategies to achieve its goal of 2,500-unit sales.
Executives, officers, sales and marketing teams from JETOUR’S 22 dealers nationwide came in full force for the pivotal conference.
Led by Managing Director Miguelito Jose, Marketing Director Cherry May Delos Santos, and Aftersales Director Eryx Guiang, JAPI’s leadership laid out the grand roadmap to success for the second half of 2024 and for 2025 that not only solidifies the company’s market presence and ensures sustained growth in the Philippine automotive industry, but also echoes the worldwide upward trajectory of the brand.
As an exciting follow-up to the successful launch of the Dashing Symphony, Dashing Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), and the T2 4X4 SUV in the first half of 2024, JAPI whetted the appetite of dealers and guests when it announced that it would launch three more models before end of 2024. These up-and-coming new releases would cater to the diverse preferences and needs of Filipinos, thereby expanding JAPI’s target markets even further.
JAPI assured all those in attendance that it would invest heavily in shoring up its customer service and after-sales support. This initiative involves expanding service centers, providing extensive training for staff to deliver superior customer care, and leveraging digital platforms for more seamless interactions with customers. JETOUR reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices within its operations. The company plans to promote electric and hybrid vehicles and actively participate in green initiatives across the Philippines.
JAPI also announced that two more dealerships would be opened in strategic locations before 2024 ends, thus ensuring an even wider availability of JETOUR vehicles and services. This network expansion would continue in 2025, making it more convenient for customers to access JETOUR products and services.
It was also revealed that an even more robust marketing campaign would be on the horizon, as well. This includes heightened engagements with local communities, using social media platforms, and participating in major automotive events and exhibitions.
Brand and corporate collaborations were also shown to be key in JETOUR’s immediate future in the Philippines. JAPI declared it would establish strategic partnerships with local businesses, government entities, and other stakeholders to foster growth and innovation. These collaborations are expected to create synergies that benefit both the company and the broader automotive ecosystem in the Philippines.
Recognizing the importance of human resources to drive the JETOUR brand aggressively forward, JAPI reiterated during the conference that it would nurture and grow an outstandingly skilled and motivated workforce.
The company has set in motion its revolutionary JETOUR Auto Philippines Academy (JAPA).
JAPA will consist of the JETOUR Sales Ambassador Training (JSAT) which will provide comprehensive training to all frontlines that consists of the following: JETOUR Sales Ambassadors (JSA’s) well as training the support group consisting of sales supervisors, sales administrators, and sales managers. JAPI further explained that ultimately, JETOUR and its dealers nationwide will be supported by teams of reliable, loyal, and quality-driven sales executives not only representing the JETOUR brand but also promoting, selling, and delivering the JETOUR auto model lineup.
JETOUR Marketing Adaptive Training (JMAT) will equip marketing professionals and customer relations officers with a robust set of skills and knowledge required to excel in the dynamic and competitive world of brand management and customer relations. This comprehensive program covers a wide range of strategies and practices essential for effectively managing and promoting brands in today’s ever-evolving marketplace.
For aftersales, to provide an overview of this academy and its impact on our sales performance since its inception in providing manpower development, more particularly in the area of technical expertise, we will continue to what works well with us through the JETOUR Technical Assessment Program or (JTAP).
