What industry big shots look forward to in 2017 (Part 2)

Hello 2017. I am Jeanette Ipapo-Tuason, mother of five, wife, entrepreneur, part-time writer and triathlete.

I am looking forward to what you have in store for us in terms of improvements in our lives while on the road.

I look forward to driving cars on the road at a pace faster than 30 kph.

I also hope that we can improve the public transport system so that we can lessen carbon emissions, and my kids will have better air to breathe.

Although there are some dark clouds looming on your horizon, my friends and I are still optimistic and excited about what you have to offer.

I asked once again industry big shots what they see in the coming days: overall, they see a rosy future in your arms. Here are some of their thoughts.

Steven Tan

President and CEO,

Bermaz Auto Philippines (Mazda)

2017 promises to be another banner year for Mazda Philippines. We are looking forward to launching new and exciting models that will once again stoke the zoom-zoom spirit in the driving public.

The Mazda brand will continue on the path of growth as we further reach out to a wider customer base. And we will likewise expand our horizons further in the realm of sales and strengthen our conviction to deliver the best in customer service.

Like the rest of the industry, the Mazda brand under Bermaz Auto Philippines is excited to see what the coming year will bring.

We remain convinced that the local automotive industry will become stronger and more robust despite the challenges that lie ahead.

Arthur R. Tan

President and CEO,Volkswagen Philippines

2016 has been a breakout year for Volkswagen Philippines as our cars have become much more visible on the roads and are gaining recognition from motorists, journalists and experts alike.

At the recent 6th Philippine International Motor Show, we showcased both our sporty side as well as our family values-driven vehicles.

You can certainly expect more of these from us this 2017.

For generations now, Volkswagen has always been known to produce one-of-a-kind German-engineered and designed automobiles all over the world.

The Philippine market can expect no less from us as we continue to offer in 2017 the range of Volkswagen cars that continue to elevate the motoring experience of every member of the Filipino family to world-class levels.

We also assure the local automotive industry and the Philippine motoring public that Volkswagen Philippines will continue to build upon our award-winning advocacy, the Child Safety Initiative campaign for safer roads and the driving environment for all Filipinos and to our children in particular.

Far more valuable than growing actual sales and units sold is our mission to see one particular number shrink significantly—the incidence of road-related accidents.

Without a doubt, the socio-economic momentum of the “golden age of motorization” in the Philippines will continue to accelerate this 2017.

More and more young Filipinos will continue to become road users whether as drivers, motorists, commuters or pedestrians.

As the road infrastructure grows, so do the benefits and risks inherent in the automotive industry.

We at Volkswagen Philippines will continue to strive to increase the benefits for our motoring public.

We already have the cars that exemplify the best in automotive engineering, design, and safety and we are more than willing to shape our motorists into responsible, world-class road users.

Ramesh Narasimhan

President and managing director, Nissan Philippines, Inc.

2016 has been a banner year for Nissan as we achieved the highest sales record in Nissan’s history in June and July.

We also introduced a number of exciting new products including the legendary supersport car, the GTR, coupled with innovative programs, enabling us to outgrow the local automotive industry.

In 2017, as the country continues on in its period of motorization, we can expect a more competitive automotive industry due to the ever-changing demands of the market.

The motoring public can expect a bolder Nissan as we sustain the momentum of the brand and focus on expanding our dealer network, enhancing our product lineup and services in our pursuit to give the best experience to our customers.

Marc Tagle

Chairman and president, Aston Martin Manila

After the tremendous success of the DB11 globally, I look forward to finally launching in 2017 one of the most important cars in Aston Martin’s illustrious history—the DB11.

This car is the most powerful and dynamically gifted DB model to date. Truly an embodiment of what an Aston Martin should be.

I hope that as an industry, we can all work together and contribute toward a more dynamic economy that can support more Filipino jobs.

I’m looking forward to improvements in infrastructure, better programs from the government to alleviate the current traffic situation and more investments and opportunities to provide better products and services.

Wellington Soong

Jaguar/Land Rover/Maserati/Ferrari

We look forward to reaching out to a broader SUV market base with the Maserati Levante.

As for Ferrari, we are rolling out new models such as the California T, 488 Spider, the new F12 and the GTC4 Lusso v12/V8.

For the industry, we look forward to more government liberalization to create a stronger automotive industry.

Hajime Koso

President and CEO, Isuzu Philippines Corp.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation is looking forward to achieving its most challenging target of over 30,000 unit sales in the coming year. 2017 is also going to be very special for us because we will be marking our 20th inaugural anniversary, so expect IPC to have more exciting offerings.

Willy Q. Tee Ten

President, Autohub Group of Companies

Last year opened a lot of new doors for the Autohub Group.

This 2017, I believe [is the time] to cultivate all those opportunities and make the existing ones better.

It was a good yearend for most of our brands, and hopefully, it will jumpstart the year ahead.

As far as the car dealerships are concerned, we have to be more resourceful and more innovative. We have to minimize wastages, and think of more synergies for our brands.

In the motoring industry, I hope that interest rates, fuel prices, dollar exchange rates and excise tax will not go up.

If there’s anything I’d wish that would go up, I hope it’s our economy.

As you see, we welcome you, 2017, with open arms. Hope you can extend the same courtesy.  Please don’t take anybody else from Star Wars in real life and/or cinematically, or any singers from the ’80s.

We understand you need to give us a bit of “lows” to appreciate the “highs,” but people of the present seem to be very sensitive and are a bit slow in seeing the Instagrammable angle to their difficulties, so please be gentle.

Best of luck,

Jeanette