CAMPI: Sales of New Commercial Vehicles Grow by 7.7% in 2009

Notorious for their tonnage and insatiable thirst for petrol, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have never been the picture of efficient motoring, but with the Filipinos’ penchant for dual purpose vehicles—particularly after the high floods caused by tropical storm Ondoy last year—it seems that motorists are still giving these gas-guzzlers a second look.

Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) show that sales of commercial vehicles–which include SUVs, Asian utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, vans and compact wagons–continued to surpass sales of passenger vehicles last year.

According to CAMPI, commercial vehicles grew by 7.7% to 86,216 units in 2009. Passenger cars or sedans, on the other hand, sold 46,228 units, rising slower at 4.1% from the previous year. Based on sales figures recorded particularly during the final months of 2009, more motorists may have replaced their damaged cars with taller vehicles, which have a better chance of wading through flood and mud. Read the story »

Isuzu Philippines Bares New Line of Buses

Isuzu Philippines Corp. formally introduced its new line of Microbus, a commercial vehicle based on the N-Series truck platform, to service the needs of fleet and mass transport.

With a chassis built by Centro Manufacturing Corp., the Microbus is powered by a 2.8-liter Isuzu 4JB1-TC engine which can seat up to16 passengers.

Isuzu senior vice president Art Balmadrid said, “Customer-oriented establishments looking for a dependable and affordable means of transport for their clients now have the best minibus the industry can offer.”

The Microbus price range will be from P1.3 to P2 million, depending on the interior components. Balmadrid said, “Right now, we are still getting a feel of what the market wants in the Microbus, and we intend to adjust or modify it to those requirements.” Read the story »

Philippines Auto Industry Assemblers Reject New MVDP

Domestic automotive players have rejected the new Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) questioning some provisions including allowing the entry of used motor vehicle parts and components that it would be better for the government to maintain the old program.

In a letter sent to Malacañang dated March 1, 2010, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) president Elizabeth H. Lee has sought Malacanang’s intervention as Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila has already endorsed the Executive Order for the new MVDP for President Gloria Arroyo’s signature.

Favila’s endorsement of the new MVDP was among his last efforts as DTI Secretary. Favila’s appointment as member of the Monetary Board, the policy making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, took effect last March 5, 2010. Read the story »

Philippine Car Sales in February Increases by 39%

Philippine car sales in February bucked seasonal trends as the industry sold 12,573 vehicles, 39 percent higher than what it sold in the same period last year, according to a joint report released Tuesday by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (TMAP).

“We are thankful and are hopeful that the strong sales will continue in the coming months. The bulk of car sales came from commercial vehicles particularly the all utility vehicles (AUVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs),” CAMPI President Elizabeth Lee said in a statement.

“This trend is forecast to remain strong and will continue to support vehicle sales in the coming months,” she added.

Sales of commercial vehicles which include vans and pick-up trucks reached 8,069 units or 37.4 percent higher than what it sold in February 2009.

The passenger car (PC) segment also posted strong sales as dealers sold a total of 4,504 units in February. This is 42.8 percent higher than year-ago sales.

Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. led car manufacturers in terms of vehicle sales, selling 4,170 units during the period.

So far, the industry was able to sell a total of 24,336 units in January and February. This is 36.6 percent higher than the 17, 818 units sold by the industry in the same period last year.

Isuzu Philippines Pushes Exports of Crosswind, Launches ‘Microbus’ in RP

Isuzu Philippines Corp. unveils two major projects this year: Resumption of exports of its Asian utility vehicle Crosswind to Central America and local assembly of an entrepreneurial vehicle called “Microbus” – as the company anticipates as much as 15 percent growth in sales this year.

Keiji Takeda, IPC president, told reporters at the launch of its latest Isuzu N-Series light-duty trucks that they are still negotiating with distributors in Guatemala and Costa Rica for completely built-up exports of Crosswind after exports were halted last year due to price issues.

In 2006 to 2008, IPC exported 60 units of Crosswind to these countries, Takeda said.

Overall exports of IPC including exports of some parts and components of Crosswind to Vietnam still account for a measly 1 percent of its total business in the country. Read the story »

TCCCI Launches Chevy Cruze in the Philippines

EVERY DAY cars are seen on the Metro Manila Avenue called Edsa. But it is not every day that a car is actually launched on that historic Philippine highway.

This is why The Covenant Car Co. Inc., or TCCCI, the official dealer of General Motors in the Philippines, decided to unveil its very first offering this year on Edsa where the tallest LED billboard in the world is located.

In a bold and strong statement, the newly appointed exclusive importer and distributor of Chevrolet in the country introduced the new Chevy Cruze to the Philippine market via a dealer and media launch in in Mandaluyong City.

In full view of all the cars and buses plying Edsa through a giant LED screen, the Cruze was unveiled to the public eye. Vehicles slowed as visions of the new Chevy flashed on the screen, a super red LT and pewter gray LS variants. Read the story »

Honda Refreshes Civic for Pure Intensity

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) continues to deliver pure intensity with the 2010 Civic. Sporting a refreshed dynamic styling, the Civic now comes with newly designed 16” three-dimensional, multi-spoke alloy wheels for its best-selling 1.8 S variant to create a more commanding and sharper look. The new alloy wheel design thoughtfully enhances its exterior and draws an exciting balance between aerodynamic body styling and aggressive stance.

Always at the forefront of offering something new to the delight of its discerning customers, Honda also introduces Polished Metal color to its 1.8 S and 2.0 S Civic variants for that added flair of sporty and modern character.

“There are several factors consumers consider in buying a car and color is one of the significant drivers in finalizing their decision,” said Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. “Nowadays, consumers are getting savvy about the latest color trends. And so, we continue to revitalize our color line-up to suit the market’s dynamic taste and preference. With a sleek Polished Metal body color matched with a bolder alloy wheel design, the Civic is designed to add vitality in its class,” Shimizu added. Read the story »

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