Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) sustained its authority in diesel-powered vehicles as it posted steady sales for its model lineup in 2011, with the Isuzu N-Series light-duty truck topping its segment.

Figures released by the Truck Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines show that the N-Series took a 69.4 percent share of Category III, the light-duty commercial truck segment, as the model recorded sales of 1,196 units from January to December 2011. This marked a successful streak for the N-Series as it enjoyed an equally dominating 67.1 percent share in 2010 with 1,030 units sold. Impressively, the N-Series has overwhelmingly led Category III for 13 straight years since 1999.

“The N-Series trucks’ achievement of being the bestseller in a competitive class for 13 straight years is concrete proof of its superiority over its rivals,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “It means the market has full confidence in the model, which can only be the result of a very satisfying ownership experience.”

Credit to the N-Series’ popularity goes in part to its versatility as the vehicle can be configured as a passenger van, aluminum cargo van, refrigerated van, fire truck, drop-side truck, aerial platform truck, refuse collector, dump truck, cargo truck or tanker. The N-Series’ durability and dependability have also made them the light commercial truck of choice among entrepreneurs and business partners.

Isuzu’s medium- and heavy-duty trucks were also as dominant in their Category IV and V segments. In 2011 IPC sold 240 units of these trucks, including the popular Forward model, with the vehicles accounting for 24.8 percent share of the segments. This was a marked growth from IPC’s 2010 figures, which showed that 165 medium- and heavy-duty trucks were sold, resulting in a 14.3 percent share.

In 2011, commercial vehicles continued to dominate the Philippine automotive industry with a 68.3% advantage over passenger cars, and cementing Isuzu’s hold on the commercial vehicle segment were the company’s Alterra, D-MAX and highly popular Crosswind models. From January to December last year, IPC sold 855 of the luxuriously equipped Alterra SUV; 2,500 units of the tough and hardworking D-MAX, with the pickup accounting for 16.3 percent of its class; and 5,029 units of the Crosswind, or a 16.7 percent share of its class, leading IPC posting a tally of 9,820 units sold.

Besides continuously offering upgraded models that address customers’ desires and requirements, IPC’s steady market performance in 2011 can also be attributed to the various events that the company held, and the biggest of these was a show staged in April called “On the Right Truck to a Better Future.” (PNA)

Tsikot.com Philippines

FOR the fifth straight year since 2006, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. has continued to experience steady positive growth.

Despite last year’s challenges – the earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan in the early part of 2011 and the massive flooding in Thailand that affected the auto industry’s supply chain a few months after – MMPC still registered a 1 percent growth as compared to 2010.

This translates to total sales of 32,603 units.

In hindsight, the Philippine automotive industry closed 2011 with a decline of 3 percent, registering sales of 165,056 units based on combined reports from Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi), Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (Avid) members.

Growth drivers

Among MMPC’s drivers of growth are its light commercial vehicles. Last year, MMPC was able to top several segments, including the SUV segment wherein the combined sales of Montero Sport and Pajero reached 12,210 units.

MMPC also topped the double cab pickup segment as 4,216 units Strada units were sold, thus capturing as 27.7 percent share.

Overall, MMPC’s LCV share increased by 2.5 percent largely behind the excellent performance of the Strada, Montero Sport, ASX, Pajero, Adventure and L300 models while its Fuso trucks and buses increased by 12.7 percent.

20 percent share

With these figures, MMPC was able to capture 20-percent market share, making the company the second best performing automotive brand in the country.

For 2012, MMPC is optimistic that it will further improve its sales volume and market share as it is projecting a growth of 12 percent, as compared to its 2011 sales performance (36,500 units).

The positive outlook is attributed to MMPC’s scheduled model enhancements as well as new variant introduction of its existing line up.

“This year MMPC is geared not only on working at its best to achieve its projected sales volume but is also dedicated in improving its after sales and customer service,” said Hikosaburo Shibata, MMPC president and CEO.

More models, variants

For 2012, Shibata expects that MMPC will continue to bring in more vehicles that will respond to the need for a quality vehicle for every lifestyle and at the same time environment-friendly.

MMPC also expects to improve its passenger car sales with the introduction of its “Global Small Car” or the Mitsubishi Mirage, which made its debut in last year’s Tokyo Motorshow.

The Mirage is expected to easily gain market acceptance, considering its outstanding fuel economy and top of its class features.

“This integrates our commitment of providing utmost driving pleasure and safety to our valued custome4rs and our community. Likewise, MMPC will further work on the expansion of its dealership network to make quality vehicles and services available to every valued customer anywhere in the Philippines,” promised Shibata, who informed that the company is set to open an additional three outlets this year to bring its total number of 49 dealerships nationwide.

Similar development

MMPC expects to provide a similar market excitement that happened last year when it introduced an upgraded Montero Sport and Strada.

With the new variants now powered by Variable Geometry Turbocharged engine, MMPC instantly captured its target market and constributed on the company’s sales feat during the first quarter of 2011.

Both models continue to attract more and more customers not only because of its combined appeal and superb performance but also by the high value for money proposition it offers to customers (especially with added technology enhancements such as the multi-information and multi-media system equipped on some of its variants).

To date, MMPC has already sold a total of 33,515 units of Montero Sport since its introduction in 2008.

Aside from the upgrade3s of these bestsellers, MMPC also expanded its LCV line up by introducing L200 Single Cab pickup and cab chassis, which is targeted for fleet and business use.

A taxi version of the Adventure was also introduced and in no time, got approved approved and accredited by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board as an alternative model for the existing vehicle fleet of taxi operators.

Journal Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Rio de Janerio’s Carnival came to Manila as Columbian Autocar Corp. (CAC), official distributors of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, launched the all-new Rio last January 19 at the Sunset Pavilion of the Sofitel.

Unveiled during the Brazilian-themed festivities, the all-new Rio is Kia’s entry into the sub-compact sedan segment.

Dinner and cocktails were served to special guests and members of the media, while upbeat samba music was provided by Nyko Maca and Gafiera. In addition, the Philippine Azkals, who are endorsers of KIA in the Philippines, were also present for a special game of pick up football with the guests.

Of course, the real star of the show was the Rio, displayed in both 4-door sedan and 5-door hatch body styles. The car comes in four variants with engines ranging from 1.2 liter to 1.4 liters paired with 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 1.4 liter engine can produce a maximum output of 107 ps at 6,300 rpm, while the 1.2 produces up to 87 ps at 6,000 rpm.

The top-of-the-line Rio hatchback boasts of premium features like keyless entry and ignition via its smart key that alerts the vehicle when it is within range or inside the vehicle. Steering mounted audio and cruise controls and even a drink cooler inside the glove box are among the standard convenience features in the 5-door.

The 4-door sedan will have standard features like electric Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), a full sized spare and an audio unit with a CD player and radio with USB/AUX/iPod connectivity.

Though prices have yet to be announced, Kia hopes to move up its Rio from being just a price-driven, discount runabout car to a vehicle with more quality, more choice and an attractive, exciting design. The car’s designer, Massimo Frascella, who also penned the Sportage, aimed to create a confident front end with a fast profile. The vehicle boasts of a larger glass to body ratio, further highlighting the strong wedge form.

Underneath the skin, the shell has been made more rigid thanks to a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation model. In spite of that, 85% of the car is recyclable.

To conclude the unveiling ceremony, CAC president Ginia Domingo and CAC marketing head Boying Soriano handed the keys of the first Rio in the Philippines to Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong of the Philippine Azkals.

The launch party went on into the night with music provided by DJ Mulan and on-the-spot samba lessons from performers from Escola de Samba Manila.

By Iñigo S. Roces, ABS-CBN News

Tsikot.com Philippines

To explain this oxymoron – yes, another model has again been added to the Prius family… and this time it’s a smaller sibling: a compact hybrid called the Prius C.

The Prius C was first revealed as a concept car in the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, and as early as then, Toyota had already announced their plans to mass produce the compact concept in the early part of 2012. True to their word, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) recently unveiled this much-awaited new hybrid to the Philippine motoring press last Friday, during a thanksgiving party at the Hotel Sofitel, celebrating the company’s 10th triple crown feat. TMP president Michinobu Sugata was more than happy to share the exciting news.

The new Prius C showcases Toyota’s “eco-fun” design concept, presenting a compact body with active proportions. This hatchback is about 19 inches shorter than the standard 3rd generation Prius; is two inches narrower, almost two inches lower, and slightly more than 500 pounds lighter. It is in fact, rather reminiscent of the Toyota Yaris.

The C stands for: Compact, Clean, Clever and City. Needless to say, it is equipped with the same HSD (Hybrid Synergy Drive) technology that Toyota has innovated to produce excellent drive-ability and unparalleled fuel economy. Admittedly, the Toyota Prius line has always been one of my all-time favorite cars.

This new compact is powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder 1NZ-FXE VVT-i Atkinson cycle engine that is Euro-5 compliant. It uses an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system to enhance engine efficiency, and also an electric power pump. The car has an aerodynamic front splitter, and even ridges on its hood (for the wind to flow through) – bringing its drag coefficient to an impressive 0.28. And as in all new Prius models, the driver can select among the Normal, Eco and EV (electric vehicle) drive modes, based on his driving preference.

Just like the standard Prius models before it, the Prius C does not need to be plugged-in to an electric source to be recharged – it uses a regenerative braking system that allows the battery to charge as you drive. It uses a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack, which is now located underneath the rear seats, together with the gas tank, each in their own steel casing. (As opposed to the standard Prius that has its battery pack under the rear deck). Cooling vents are also seen under the seats, to make sure that the heat is released.

Apparently, moving the battery and gas tank below the rear seats also had another advantage: It lowered the car’s center of gravity – making this gas-sipper even more fun to drive.

On the inside, the dash has an angular design; the instrument panel is still centrally located and high-mounted; although I think the most noticeable change is how the Prius-signature floppy toggle is now back to a conventional gear selector on the center console.

Other standard features inside the car include automatic climate control, a 3.5-inch color information display, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capability, an iPod interface, USB connectivity and remote keyless entry.

This compact hybrid will be primarily available in the following colors: Lime White Pearl, Silver Metallic, Gray Metallic, Extreme Black and Super Red. Also available through firm order, are the colors: Blue Metallic, Freedom White, Aqua Mica Metallic, and Mandarin Orange Mica Metallic

The Prius C may come in any one of four options: Prius C Full Option (White Pearl) priced at P1,540,000, Prius C Full Option priced at P1,525,000, Prius C Standard (White Pearl) priced at P1,490,000 and Prius C Standard at P1,475,000.

For more information you may visit any one of Toyota’s 30 dealerships nationwide, or log on to the Toyota website: www.toyota.com.ph.

By Angel Rivero, The Philippine Star.  Photo by The Philippine Star

Tsikot.com Philippines

The Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMPC) has done it again.

For the 10th straight year, TMPC achieved another triple crown, cementing the company’s position as the number 1 car brand in the country in terms of sales.

The triple crown is awarded to the auto company that leads the passenger car (PC) segment, the commercial vehicle (CV) segment, as well as overall sales.

For 2012, the Toyota Vios was the top selling passenger car in the country while the Toyota Innova was the top selling commercial vehicle.

Overall, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation sold 54,593 vehicles in 2011, amounting to a 38.55% market share.

The company achieved the feat despite a decline in total sales of 4 percent.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippine Corp. wound up in second spot with sales reaching 32,603 units during the same period for a 23.02 market share.

Overall, the car industry did not fare well in 2011, with total sales going down by four percent.

In a report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association, a total of 141,616 cars were in a 12-month period. This was way below the record 147,488 total set in 2010.

Sales in all types of vehicles posted declines, something which players in the industry attributed to the disruptions in the supply of car units and parts brought about by the calamities that hit Japan and Thailand.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., which belongs to the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID), kept third spot with 20,297 units sold.

Ford Group Philippines, which claims to be the fastest growing company in terms of sales in the Philippines, overtook Honda Cars Philippines for the fourth spot. Ford and Mazda collectively sold 12,196 units, 32.5 percent better than its sales in 2010.

Honda, still reeling from the impact of the disasters in Japan and Thailand, closed 2011 with only 11,611 sold, 30.1 percent lower than the number of cars sold in 2010.

Journal Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) once again bolstered its position as the authority in diesel-powered vehicles as it posted steady sales for its model lineup in 2011, with the Isuzu N-Series light-duty truck topping its segment.

Figures released by the Truck Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines showed that the N-Series took a commanding 69.4% share of Category III, the light-duty commercial truck segment, as the model recorded 1,196 units sold from January to December 2011. This marks a successful streak for the N-Series as it enjoyed an equally dominating 67.1% share in 2010 with 1,030 units sold. Impressively, the N-Series has overwhelmingly led Category III for 13 straight years since 1999.

“The N-Series trucks’ achievement of being the bestseller in a competitive class for 13 straight years is concrete proof of its superiority over its rivals,” said IPC President Ryoji Yamazaki. “It means the market has full confidence in the model, which can only be the result of a very satisfying ownership experience.”

Credit to the N-Series’ popularity goes in part to its versatility as the vehicle can be configured as a passenger van, aluminum cargo van, refrigerated van, fire truck, drop-side truck, aerial platform truck, refuse collector, dump truck, cargo truck or tanker. The N-Series’ durability and dependability have also made them the light commercial truck of choice among entrepreneurs and business partners.

Isuzu’s medium- and heavy-duty trucks were also as dominant in their Category IV and V segments. In 2011 IPC sold 240 units of these trucks, including the popular Forward model, with the vehicles accounting for 24.8% share of the segments. This is a marked growth from IPC’s 2010 figures, which showed that 165 medium- and heavy-duty trucks were sold, resulting in a 14.3% share.

In 2011, commercial vehicles continued to dominate the Philippine automotive industry with a 68.3% advantage over passenger cars, and cementing Isuzu’s hold on the commercial vehicle segment are the company’s Alterra, D-MAX and highly popular Crosswind models. From January to December last year, IPC sold 855 of the luxuriously equipped Alterra SUV; 2,500 units of the tough and hardworking D-MAX, with the pickup accounting for 16.3% of its class; and 5,029 units of the Crosswind, or a 16.7% share of its class. That led to IPC posting a tally of 9,820 units sold.

Besides continuously offering upgraded models that address customers’ desires and requirements, IPC’s steady market performance in 2011 can also be attributed to the various events that the company held, and the biggest of these was a show staged in April called “On the Right Truck to a Better Future.” An exclusive display of Isuzu’s commercial-vehicle lineup, the event showcased Isuzu’s ability to meet any transportation requirement of business entities and private individuals. The event also highlighted the clear advantages that brand-new trucks have over second-hand units, with the new Isuzu trucks helping the Philippine economy not only by providing reliable workhorses for entrepreneurs but also by creating manpower for the local manufacturing industry.

Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. (MMPC) is optimistic that it will further improve its sales volume and market share as it is projecting a growth of 12 percent compared to its 2011 sales performance or 36,500 units. The increase will eventually come from year model enhancements and new variant introduction of its existing vehicle line up which will further excite the market.

MMPC also expects to improve its passenger car sales with the introduction of its global small car or the Mitsubishi Mirage which made its debut in last year’s Tokyo Motorshow.

The Mirage is expected to easily gain market acceptance considering its outstanding fuel economy and top of its class features.

In addition, MMPC is also looking at further expanding its sales network with additional outlets to growth areas which will contribute to its total projected sales volume for this year. MMPC will open up additional 3 more outlets this year to bring its total number of outlets to 49.

“This year MMPC is geared not only on working at its best to achieve its projected sales volume but is also dedicated in improving its after sales and customer service”, said Hikosaburo Shibata, president and chief executive officer of MMPC.

“For 2012 MMPC will continue to bring in more vehicles that will respond to the need for a quality vehicle for every lifestyle and at the same time environment friendly, this integrates our commitment of providing utmost driving pleasure and safety to our valued customers and our community. “MMPC will further work on the expansion of its dealership network to make quality vehicles and services available to every valued customer anywhere in the Philippines,” Shibata said.

Despite the 3-percent decline in sales in 2011 of the industry, MMPC managed to improve its sales with modest growth of 1 percent as compared to 2010.

MMPC was able to achieve total sales of 32,603 units for 2011. With these figures, MMPC was able to capture 20 percent market share, keeping it as the second best selling automotive brand in the country.

The year 2011 also marks the fifth consecutive year that MMPC registered growth in sales volume and market share since 2006.

Increases in several segments were also reflected in MMPC’s 2011 performance.

The light commercial vehicle (LCV) increased by 2.5 percent while its Fuso trucks and buses increased by 12.7 percent. The growth in MMPC LCV sales was contributed primarily by increase in the Strada, Montero Sport, ASX, Pajero, Adventure and L300 models.

Throughout 2011 MMPC was also able to keep its industry position and recorded several notable achievements.

Last year, MMPC was able to top several segments such as the SUV segment with the combined sales of Montero Sport and Pajero of 12,210 units, and also the Strada as No.1 double cab pick up with sales of 4,216 units or 27.7 percent share of the double cab pick up segment.

MMPC’s remarkable sales performance can be credited to its continuous effort to provide the market with a refreshed and extensive vehicle line-up coupled by aggressive and attractive sales promotions.

Likewise the introduction of the upgraded Montero Sport and Strada powered by Variable Geometry Turbocharged (VGT) engine during the first quarter of 2011 has instantly captured its target market and contributed on MMPC’s sales feat. Both models continue to attract more and more customers not only because of its combined appeal and superb performance brought about by its powerful VGT engine but also by the high value for money proposition it offers to customers especially with added technology enhancements such as the multi-information and multi-media system equipped on some of its variants.

To date, MMPC has already sold a total of 33,515 units of Montero Sport since its introduction.

Aside from the upgrades of these bestsellers, MMPC also expanded its LCV line up by introducing L200 Single Cab pick up and cab chassis which is targeted for fleet and business use and also a taxi version of the Adventure which has been approved and accredited by the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as an alternative replacement model for the existing vehicle fleet of taxi operators.

The automotive industry closed 2011 with a decline of 3 percent, registering sales of 165,056 units based on combined reports from Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) members. The decline in sales was triggered by supply challenges that the auto industry faced last year which was brought about by the natural calamities hitting more than a few significant countries in the automotive world. The earthquake and tsunami that had hit Japan during the first quarter of 2011, and the massive flooding in Thailand had affected the auto industry supply chain to fall apart from the expected demand.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines, gave customers more reason to enjoy owning a Hyundai with the launch of the One Hyundai Club: Life in Style.

The distributor-based car loyalty program rewards members with motoring and lifestyle perks and privileges. Members can enjoy 24/7 roadside motoring assistance, leverage in availing genuine parts and Best C.A.R.E. (Cordial, Accurate, Reliable, and Efficient and speedy) services, as well as a points from transactions system where members can redeem accumulated points for valuable items from the Hyundai Brand Collection and/or Hyundai Lifestyle Rewards Basket.

Membership also allows them to avail of a One Hyundai Personal Online Account for important updates or the Hyundai MasterCard that offers exclusive financial and automotive deals.

Besides these perks, affiliation to the One Hyundai Club includes benefits in the form of year-round discounts from partner merchants, plus special VIP access to exclusive Hyundai events, like car launches, motor shows and test drives.

Also launched in the event was the One Hyundai Club 2012 Lifestyle Journal. The planner includes articles from renowned journalists and editors, lifestyle rewards, and exciting activity ideas.

Those present at the whole day event were given a peek into the activities that all One Hyundai Club members can enjoy in 2012. The event area, open to current members and non-members who pre-registered at www.ohclifeinstyle.com.ph, featured lifestyle activities in four areas namely, travel and leisure, beauty and wellness, shopping and dining. They served as a preview of some of the personalized lifestyle programs offered by the program.

Participants were also eligible for the hourly raffle draws as well as a grand raffle draw for a brand new special edition Hyundai i10 and a trip for two to South Korea. To qualify, visitors had to participate in at least three lifestyle section activites and fill out the Raffle Stub found at the back of their event passport.

The event was HARI’s way of thanking OHC members for their support as embodied in the brand’s vision to become a loyal “partner in motoring and beyond.”

Those interested in joining can inquire for membership at any authorized Hyundai dealership and fill out the One Hyundai Club application form. You may also log on to www.onehyundai.com.ph to apply for membership. Once the application is processed, applicants will be entitled to one One Hyundai Club membership card.

ABS-CBN News

Tsikot.com Philippines

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) announced recently that it has resumed production after it managed to overcome supply disruption caused by the flooding in Thailand.

HCPI said it has resumed operation in “early January” and that it is set for recovery with the roll out of the new Honda City variants.

The company suspended its local production on Nov. 3 due to limited parts supply caused by the flooding in Thailand. HCPI assembles the Honda City and Honda Civic variants in their factory at the northern Philippine province of Laguna.

HCPI, however, said that other Honda vehicles that are imported from Thailand are not yet available. The company imports models such as Honda Jazz and Accord from Thailand.

Company officials could not say when the imported models could be made available in the Philippine market.

Philippine Star Business News

Tsikot.com Philippines

Vehicle sales are seen rising by double digits this year as supply comes back by the second quarter of the year, according to Tatsuya Natsume, president and general manager of Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) at the sidelines of the launch Tuesday night of the new Honda City.

Other industry sources said the marketing committee of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) agreed on a consensus of 9-percent growth this year. The forecast is subject for approval by both group’s executive committees (ex-com).

In a separate interview, Frank Nacua, a member of the excom of TMA, said he sees the industry growing 8 to 12 percent.

“The industry is very bullish of a recovery because the supply problems in Japan and Thailand are expected to be resolved. Hopefully, the supply and inventory would be stable by the second quarter. Although there would be a slight drop in the first quarter, a boom would follow,” Nacua said.

Nacua said for now demand is there but the brand and model may not be available.

Nacua said the threat of rising fuel prices may put a dent on the industry’s recovery this year.

He said another challenge is the continued influx of cheap used vehicles in one of the ports, but the good thing is that those which come are high-end vehicles.

According to Nacua, this year’s sales would continue to be fuelled by sport utility vehicles due to the popularity of pick-ups from Thailand and Japan as well as passenger vans of Toyota and Hyundai.

The Asian utility vehicle segment would still continue to grow, he said.

Nacua said passenger cars would have minimal growth.

Assemblers sold 141,616 units in 2011, down 4 percent from 147,488 units in 2010. Figures from the pure traders are yet to be released.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines