Auto execs expect another record-breaking year

CHUA LIM

IT SEEMS the auto industry is on its way to beating its 350,000 unit sales forecast this year. With 167,481 units already sold, over 36,000 more than what was posted during the same period last year, auto execs are more determined and inspired than ever.

“In the field of sales, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) closed the first semester on a high note. We have hit record sales for three consecutive months bringing us to a year-to-date sales of 72,642 units. This is 26 percent higher versus the same period of last year,” said TMP VP for Sales and Marketing Sherwin Chua Lim.

TMP is the runaway leader with 43.4 percent of market share.

“In the pursuit of ever-better cars, we at Toyota will continue to bring fun and exciting models to the public this 2016. In the first six months of the year, we completed the full Innovative International Multipurpose Vehicle (IMV) line-up by launching the all-new Innova and the all-new Fortuner to our customers.

“Moving forward to the second half of the year, just this July, we launched the new engine and continuous variable transmission (CVT) of our best-selling model, the Vios, ensuring our loyal customers a more fuel-efficient drive compared to its previous generation,” reported Chua Lim who added that aside from its vehicle models, TMP has constantly been upgrading its standards in the field of customer service. “All in the name of bringing the best products and services to our customers,” he added.

Another industry leader, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., shares the same sentiment.

THE ALL-NEW Mitsubishi Montero Sport launched at the Mitsubishi Family Expo

“We will be opening four more new outlets-Tuguegarao, Angeles Pampanga, Kawit and Molino in Cavite-in the last quarter to support our new vehicle sales and after sales activities.

“MMPC will still be strong in most of the key segments in the industry such as small cars, SUVs, MPV/AUVs, pickups and utility vehicles. We will be upgrading representative core models in these segments to sustain our volumes,” said MMPC FVP Froilan Dytianquin.

He reported that for the first semester of 2016, MMPC was able to register a record-breaking sales of 30,372 units, which is 21 percent higher compared to the same period last year. This enabled MMPC to capture 18 percent market share keeping its position as the second automotive leader in the country.

“With the exceptional first semester performance, MMPC is optimistic that sales will continue to surge in the coming months. Although sales have improved, MMPC will double its effort as the remaining six months of the year will be very challenging with the company’s aim to sell more than 65,000 units for the year,” said Dytianquin.

He added: “It is also remarkable to note also that MMPC was able to register growth on all industry segments [passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and trucks and buses].

“Aside from company’s extensive vehicle line-up, MMPC credits its robust sales to the stable economy, promos and several financing options making brand new car purchase a lot easier.

“The continued strong overseas Filipino workers’ remittance have contributed as well especially for its entry level multi-purpose vehicles such as L300 and Adventure.”

Ford PH reported an all-time best first half performance with retail sales rising 61 percent through June.

“We’re truly proud of what we have accomplished in the last six months and for becoming the third best-selling auto brand in the market. The very healthy demand for our global vehicles across the country is a great indication of how Ford vehicles strongly appeal to a wider and even diverse consumer base in the market,” said Ford PH AVP for Communications Joseph Ayllon.

He added that the company is focused on continuing its momentum of delivering the very best of Ford to our customers: “We are working even more closely with our dealers and partners to improve our customers’ experience with Ford. We’re also on track with our dealership network expansion to bring the Ford brand closer to more Filipinos.”

Another strong industry player is Nissan Philippines that capped the first half of 2016 with 46 percent growth.

Newly appointed Nissan Philippines president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan announced that of all products Nissan is currently offering, its three major volume models, namely the NV350 Urvan (2,685), Navara pickup (2,045), and Almera sedan (1,245), are helping drive sales.

“Nissan will continue to make its best efforts to further amplify current growth momentum by offering innovations that will excite Filipino customers. Just keep your eyes on us to grow further for the second half of 2016,” he said.