Flat Philippine Sales for Full-Size Ford Vehicles Expected
Ford Group Philippines expects to sell the same number of its full-size car models this year amid a global economic slump.
The auto maker on Friday launched tweaked car versions that can accomodate a higher biofuel blend.
But the sports utility vehicle 2009 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer EL and the 2009 Ford E-150 Club Wagon van will not be the firm’s major sales drivers, an official said.
“These vehicles are helping to build the brand image of Ford. We sold 120 Expeditions in 2008, and if we sell 120 this year, that would be good,” Ford Group Philippines President Richard Baker told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of yesterday’s launch.
“These vehicles have never been the core of our strategy. [But] they meet the needs of a specific target market,” he added.
The firm sold 7,747 units locally last year, with commercial vehicles making up the bulk of sales (65.6%) over passenger vehicles, industry data showed.
Other non-sedan models offered by the auto maker include the Ranger, Escape, Everest, Explorer and Chateu.
The new Expedition and Club Wagon are fitted with engines that can run on gasoline with an ethanol blend of as much as 85%.
“This new flex fuel offering will provide a key benefit to customers who desire E-85 capability in a vehicle with the functional attributes that only a full-size sports utility vehicle can provide,” said Steven Tan, Ford Group Philippines vice-president for marketing and sales.
The upgrades also include a larger cargo space, multimedia ports for the Expedition and more stable control for the Club Wagon.
Local sales of the car company went up by 3.5% last year, accounting for 6.2% of total car sales.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) expects car sales to grow by 2% to 4% this year or flatten at worst.
Jessica Anne D. Hermosa, Business World
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