“We are pleased that TMP has taken the initiative of contacting their customers and perform the required repair at no cost to customers,” Trade Secretary Peter B. Favila said.

DTI said that mistakes that occur in the manufacture of products pose danger to the health and safety of the consuming public. When similar incidents occur in different people when using a specific product, this could be an indication that there is a flaw in its production, and when this happens, a product recall may be necessary.

Recalls may be initiated by the manufacturer upon discovery of defect in its products, but RA 7394, otherwise known as the Consumer Act also have provisions aimed at protecting the safety of consumers from hazardous goods by providing for their retrieval in the market.

Meanwhile, TMP vice president Rommel Gutierrez said that they only sold about 23 units of the P2.25-million hybrid car. Gutierrez said they have already contacted all the owners who agreed to bring in their cars.

In the Prius models, some customers may feel a slight delay in brake reaction, when driving the vehicle over certain road condition while lightly applying the brakes, TMP said.

This is why TMP will be installing a modified ABS management program on Prius at no cost to the owners.

The local recall was instituted after Toyota recalled 223,068 hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles in Japan, including its latest Prius model and three others – the Sai, the Lexus HS250h and the Prius plug-in hybrid, and conducted a voluntary safety recall in the United States for about 133,000 2010 model-year Prius cars and 14,500 Lexus Division 2010 HS 250h cars to update software in the ABS.

This developed as the local auto parts makers are going to participate for the first time in the Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories (TAPA), the largest auto parts and accessories trade fair in Thailand, reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The auto show is identified as an important sourcing event for international players in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Industry reports say that the ASEAN region has a promising global market for the automotive industry with sales amounting to 2 million vehicles in 2008. ASEAN countries are attracting major investments in vehicle production and because of growing demand; some major auto companies are in want of a production hub in ASEAN next to Thailand.

“The Philippine participation to the event aims to boost the local auto parts sector and highlight the country’s capability in supplying high quality automotive products and services. The participation also aims to bring back the Philippines into its position as a major player in the auto parts and accessories industry in the Asia Pacific,” said Trade Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino.

Under the Philippine Exports Development Program, Philippine goods including automotive parts are recognized as among the government’s revenue stream projected to grow to $61 billion this year.

Philippine auto parts manufacturers are confident that Thai Auto Fair 2010 to be held on April 28 to May 2 will establish the Philippines as the new sourcing hub of auto parts and components.

“We hope to make an impact in the Thai fair with products that are applicable to the Thai and ASEAN markets,” said Rommel T. Juan, Vice-president on external affairs of the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP).

To date, there are about 256 companies manufacturing auto parts and accessories in the country. Joining MVPMAP are other industry partners including the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council, Inc. (PACCI) and the Philippine Automotive Federation, Inc. (PAFI).

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT, Manila Bulletin

Controls for audio and air conditioning system are also improved for better functionality and ease of use.

Honda Accord also offers flawless performance such as the i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control). The 3.5 liter variant ably responds to your heart’s desire with its maximum power capacity of 275 ps @ 6200 rpm. Such variant is also equipped with the latest advancement in fuel-efficient technology called, Variable Cylinder Management (VCM).

With the VCM system, optimal power output, promising fuel economy and lesser harmful emissions in actual driving situations become possible by simply closing down cylinders when not needed. VCM tailors the number of cylinders to be activated to match one’s driving requirements. Such seamless activation and deactivation of cylinders from 6 to either 4 or 3 brings about the coining of its nickname, VCM 6 4 3.

The 2010 Honda Accord comes in Alabaster Silver (2.4 liter variant only), Bold Beige (2.4 liter variant only), Polished Metal, Night Hawk Black and Brilliant White Pearl (3.5 liter variant only). It is available in two variants: 2.4 liter with automatic transmission comes with Php 1,680,000 price tag while 3.5 liter variant with automatic transmission is priced at P2.03 milliom. Additional Php 20,000 is applicable for the exclusive Brilliant White Pearl color.

“The quest to meet and exceed our customers want and need never cease at Ford Motor Company,” said FGP president Richard Baker.

For more information please visit Ford.com.ph.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. officially announces that the local market has no reason to worry since ALL models sold in the Philippines are not affected by the recall. Parts used for the locally sold Honda models are DIFFERENT from those included in the recall.

“The auto policy should be biased for assembler and the intention of CAMPI is for the expansion of the assembly operations in the country, but the question is the way by which it will be accomplished and (how) will the objective be attained in such a manner,” said CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee
It could be noted that the Deloitte Consulting, which came up with an assessment on the domestic auto industry, has proposed for a $1,000 subsidy for each CKD unit produced in the country.

Lee said there is no problem with the move to grant subsidy whether fiscal or non-fiscal incentives to CKD assemblers, but it was not clear as to the source of this subsidy.

“Where would you source the subsidy? If the manner by which to attain the objective is through the formal CBU importers then this will not result in the expansion of the CKD assembly operations in the country,” said Lee.

CAMPI groups 19 automotive companies operating in the country both assemblers and pure CBU traders. All CKD assemblers are also CBU importers and some of them are even the country’s biggest CBU importers.

“In order for the auto industry to continue on is if the current models of existing assemblers to will assemble their future models here and second, if the multinational auto players or CBU players will actually assemble new models in the Philippines,” said Lee.

“Indeed, we need a policy bias for CKD operation but it should not be at the expense of the CBU because this would not result to the expansion of the CBU sector,” said Lee.

Lee stressed that the industry cannot just dismiss the CBU players for now.

By BERNIE CAHILES-MAGKILAT, Manila Bulletin

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said the growth was backed by a strong dollar inflow from overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and an increase in domestic business activity.

“A high January sales volume augurs well for the year. It is a good start for stronger sales for 2010,” CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said.

“ We are looking forward to a much stronger growth for this year with increased spending as a result of bullish OFW remittances which is projected to grow by eight percent or exceeding $18 billion; increased appetite for investment and business expansion; continued liquidity in the market; ease in taking out loans and availability of loans serving buyers needs; ….not to mention this being an election year as well,” Lee added.

However, month-on-month comparison showed a decline of 13.5 percent as sales for December 2009 stood at 13,596 units. In spite of this, Lee stressed that this will be a good year for the industry.

Passenger car sales went up by 14.3 percent while sales of the commercial vehicle segment continued to remain strong with a 46 percent growth against the same month last year.

“To a certain extent, a strong vehicle sales is reflective of a stronger economic environment. With the robust growth of commercial vehicle sales particularly Asian utility vehicle (AUV) and light commercial vehicle (LCV) where most are used for both family and for business use, Filipinos are now showing more aggressiveness in either starting a business or expanding their current business,” Lee said.

Commercial vehicle sales cornered 67.2 percent share of total nationwide sales. Passenger car sales remained positive with higher sales of 14.3 percent from a year ago level.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. dominated the market with 32.9 percent market share followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. with 20.5 percent, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. with 11.2 percent, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. with 10 percent and Isuzu Philippines Corp. with 5.3 percent.

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star

In an interview, TMP vice chairman Alfred Ty said the cars sold here are not affected by the recall because the Toyota Camry and Corolla Altis sold by TMP in the Philippines are manufactured in Thailand while RAV4 models are imported from Japan.

“The recall is a preventive measure that shows the consciousness of Toyota management. This is the reason for the recall,” Ty explained.

Ty said they have received some inquiries from their dealerships about the recall that is why they decided to issue a public notice assuring the public that Toyota vehicles sold here are safe.

Ty said the recall has had no effect on the local market. In fact he said that for this year they are looking at increasing their market share.

Last Jan. 21, Toyota Motor Sales USA initiated a safety campaign on sticking gas pedals of specific US market models, including certain 2009-2010 RAV4, certain 2009-2010 Corolla, certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2009 – 2010 Matrix, 2005 – 2010 Avalon, certain 2010 Highlander, 2007 – 2010Tundra, and 2008 – 2010 Sequoia.

In rare instances, Toyota said there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedals may mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. The condition does not occur suddenly and results from wear.

In spite of this, Toyota said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. It is working quickly to remedy the situation.

Earlier, TMP said they will grow faster than the local industry as they predicted an eight percent growth for this year.

“We want to renew our sales record this year and sell 50,000 units. I see positive signs in terms of automotive,” newly appointed TMP President Michinobu Sugata said.

Sugata pointed out that the Philippines was not hurt by the financial crisis. “There is no concern of risks,” he said.

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio, Philippine Star

According to Statemotor president Allen Roxas, “Statemotor Corp. has been tapped by Great Wall Motor Co. to bring high-quality and cost-effective products to the Philippine market, namely, the Florid compact passenger car, Peri sub-compact passenger car, Wingle 4×2 & 4×4 pickup, Cowry MPV, Coolbear compact passenger car and Hover 4×2 & 4×4 SUV.”

Based in Hebei Baoding, China, Great Wall Motor Co. is dedicated to making its mark on the international market as an excellent globalized brand of vehicles by conveying the brand connotation of “fashion, high-tech and elegance” and presenting “sophisticated and elegantly made products with excellent price & performance.” Since its establishment in 1976, Great Wall has been developing pickups, SUVs, passenger cars and MPVs in the high-end, mid- and economy ranges. The company adopts European technology in all its products and uses major parts and components from Bosch of Germany, which speaks a lot about the quality and proven track record of its vehicles.

“Great Wall’s entry into the Philippine market is timely because in 2010, its overall production capacity will reach 500,000 units and in the coming three years, it will invest RMB10 billion in R&D, production facilities and new product development,” Roxas added.

Great Wall boasts of no less than 30 subsidiaries with over 22,000 employees which account for a production capacity of 400,000 vehicles and capability to produce key accessories, including engines, front, rear axles and the like.

In 2008, Great Wall received the honor of “The Top 500 Valuable Brands in China.” In 2007, it was named “The Most Competitive Brand” by the Ministry of Commerce and topped “The Most Valuable Listed Automakers” the same year. In 2006, it was given the distinction of “Recommended Exporting Brand” by the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Electromechanical Products as well as the title of “State Automobile Export Base” by the Ministry of Commerce and the National Development and Reform Commission, while listing among the Top 100 Enterprises in China by Forbes.

For the last 11 years, Great Wall’s Pickup series have consistently topped sales in the Chinese market, while its SUVs such as the Hover have proven to be bestsellers for six successive years. In terms of the international market, Great Wall has been the top exporter for nine consecutive years. The first half of 2009 GW was still number one in export.

In the Philippines, Great Wall is represented by Statemotor Corp. with dealerships located in Metro Manila, Alabang and North EDSA with more to be established in 2010 Nationwide.

Visit www.statemotor.com.ph or call (632) 242-1220 or 234-2135 for more information.

Subaru has been the fastest growing automotive brand in the country as it consistently increased sales every year since it opened in 2006, according to MIP.

In 2008, the company posted a 100-percent growth.

MIP credited the strong performance in 2009 of its Forester compact SUV as key in the company’s rise, citing that sales of the Forester increased 98 percent from the previous year as MIP sold 634 of these in 2009.

Meanwhile, figures of the Impreza sport sedan model range remained consistent as MIP said it sold around 227 units of these. The company said it also sold 64 units of the recently introduced all-new Legacy and Outback executive car and crossover, and 17 of the full-size premium SUV Tribeca.

The Legacy was voted as the Car of the Year-Philippines in 2009.

Motor Image Enterprises Group Chief Executive Glenn Tan attributed the growth of MIP to its strong model lineup and focus on customer expectations.

“Outperforming the other companies is not exactly our priority but rather comes as a result of our commitment to give our customers the newest models from Subaru. We have also focused on maintaining our high level of after-sales support, from ensuring on-time delivery and availability of genuine Subaru parts through world-class and well trained technicians,” Tan said.

Motor Image Enterprises Group is the Singapore-based parent company of MIP.

MIP also bared that it would open this year a dealership in Cebu, which would have its showroom and service facilities at the city’s automotive row at A.S. Fortuna in Mandaue City, ensuring sales and after-sales support to the Visayan market. The company said it would open another dealership in Metro Manila this year.

Presently, Subaru is sold and serviced at MIP, located on EDSA, Greenhills, San Juan. For inquiries and test-drive appointments, call 727-8333 or log on to www.motorimage.net.

Manila Times