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

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

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

The past year was not very kind to the auto industry, with two major disasters—a devastating earthquake and massive flooding—dealing the sector one blow after the other in just a matter of months.

Still reeling from the effects of the March 2011 earthquake that caused a tsunami and a nuclear crisis in Japan, the auto industry barely had time to recover before Thailand was hit by floods that halted operations in many key manufacturing facilities.

According to data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), sales slipped 4 percent to 141,616 units last year from 147,488 units in 2010.

This after registering a 27.2-percent surge in sales in 2010 to 168,490 units, from a dismal 132,444 units in 2009.

The discrepancy in sales figures between those used as a comparative figure for 2011 sales and those used as actual sales in 2010 was a result of industry No. 3 Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. breaking away from Campi in 2011.

The latest Campi report, released last Monday, showed that sales in December alone plunged 24.5 percent to only 10,374 units, from 13,749 units in the same month in 2010. The drastic sales decline was mainly due to a supply shortage stemming from the Thai flooding.

December 2011 sales were also 14.2 percent lower than November’s 12,090 units.

Sales of commercial vehicles, which accounted for the bulk of overall auto sales, dropped 2 percent to 96,754 units in 2011 from 98,749 units the year before. Passenger car sales, on the other hand, fell 8 percent to 44,862 units from the previous year’s 48,739 units.

Amid the difficulties, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. managed to retain its Triple Crown, lording it over all other manufacturers in overall sales and in the passenger car and commercial vehicle categories.

Toyota sold a total of 54,593 units in 2011, 4 percent lower than the previous year’s 56,855 units. Despite the sales decline, the company maintained its 38.6-percent market share from the year before.

Its commercial vehicle sales hit 35,550 units for a 36.7-percent share of the pie, while passenger car sales reached 19,043 units for a 42.5-percent market share.

Steady decline

Coming from a strong sales momentum in 2010, the industry was off to a relatively good start in the first quarter of 2011, growing 8.2 percent in a cyclically slow season. The effects of the Japan earthquake started to be felt in the succeeding months, slowly eroding the momentum that was built the year before.

The first real sign of trouble came in May 2011, when growth slowed to just 1.5 percent in the first five months of the year. As early as April, however, Campi said it would have to revise its forecast of a 4- to 5-percent growth in 2011, in light of the Japan crisis.

By the end of the first half, the industry suffered its first sales decline in months at 1.6 percent. It was all downhill from there.

The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) followed more or less the same trajectory. In the first quarter, the group registered a sales growth of 6 percent, but then experienced a sales decline of one percent by August. By the end of the third quarter, the sales drop had inched up to 2 percent, before growing by a slight 0.1 percent by end-October.

AVID had yet to release its 2011 sales figures as of press time.

Despite the industry’s troubles in 2011, AVID president Maria Fe Perez-Agudo expected the auto sector to turn around this year and even grow by as much as 10 percent.

This could be attributed to the expected return to the market of all the supply that was not able to enter the market due to the Japan and Thailand disasters, she said.

She also expressed confidence that vehicle importers could register a larger share of the overall pie at 20 percent, from 2011’s around 15 percent.

This market share expansion, she said, would come from the expected overall growth of the market and the importers’ more aggressive stance in marketing their vehicles.

By: Abigail L. Ho
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Tsikot.com Philippines

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. held on to its position as the the country’s No. 1 automaker, despite selling fewer vehicles in 2011.

According to a joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and the Truck Manufacturers Association of the Philippines continued to lead sales, Toyota’s sales dropped 4% to 54,593 units in 2011 from 56,855 units in the year before, in line with industry’s decline.

Total vehicle sales in 2011 dipped a similar 4 percent to 141,616 units from 147,488 units in 2010, mainly due to supply problems brought about by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan and the flooding in Thailand later in the year.

The problems in Thailand continued to affect December sales, which saw a sharp 24.5% drop to only 10,374 units from 13,749 units in the same month a year ago. December sales were also off 14% from November’s 12,090.

Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. remained at second place in 2011 with sales of 32,603 units, just slightly lower compared with the 34,422 units it sold in 2010.

The Ford Group Philippines jumped to third place after a 32% spike in sales to 12,916 units in 2011 from 9,751 units in 2010, while Honda Cars Philippines Inc. fell to fourth place after sales dropped 30% to 11,611 units from 16,604 units in 2010.

Rounding up the top five is Isuzu Philippines Corp., which saw an 8% slide in sales to 9,820 units from 10,695 the previous year.

Commercial vehicles accounted for a large 68 percent of 2011 sales with 96,754 units, just 2% lower than the 98,749 units sold in 2010.

Sales of passenger cars, on the other hand, had a bigger decline of 8% to 44,862 units in 2011 from 48,739 in 2010.

However, sales of passenger cars jumped 22.7% to 3,073 in December from the November’s 2,504, mainly due to aggressive sales promotions.

ABS-CBN.com

Tsikot.com Philippines

Local vehicle importers expect sales to grow further next year on the back of strong consumer sentiment that will be sustained by faster economic growth.

The outlook, issued by the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Inc. (AVID), came as sales of foreign-built vehicles have fared better than their locally assembled counterparts.

“AVID is still firming up its forecast [for 2012] but it is optimistic to beat its 2011 market share,” it said in a statement.

“Against a backdrop of global and domestic economic challenges, [AVID is] confident that consumer sentiment will remain favorable while affirming its members’ brand resiliency and affinity with their customers… [through] a strong portfolio of products and services…,” it continued.

The group’s sales were up 4% to 23,012 units as of November. This compared to a 1.9% decline reported by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc.

“Our positive outlook is based on a stable and growing economy driven by sustained [migrant worker] remittances, managed inflation, and external stability,” the statement read.

AVID, which claims a market share of 15%, is a private non-stock, non-profit business association organized in the Philippines in July 2010, is composed of ten members which include British United Automobiles, Inc, CATS Motors, Inc., Focus Ventures, Inc, Foton Motor Phils, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc, Jaguar Cars, Inc., Motor Image Pilipinas, Inc., PGA Cars, Inc., Scandinavian Motors Corporation, and The Covenant Car Company, Inc.

Business World Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Sales of foreign-built vehicles have fared better than their locally assembled counterparts as the , Inc. (AVID) reported on Monday the slight growth in the last 11 months thanks to a pickup in holiday spending.

Aggregate sales last month grew 4% to 23,012 units from 22,187 for the same period a year ago on improved business and consumer sentiment and better branding activities by member companies. In November alone, AVID’s six members posted a combined 43% growth of 2,672 units from 1,872 last year.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), on the other hand, reported earlier a 1.9% decline in 11-month sales amid another supply setback caused by the floods in Thailand that lasted from October until last month. Earlier, CAMPI members also suffered from similar disruptions caused by the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March.

AVID has thus maintained its 15% market share against larger car companies mostly belonging to the chamber.

Passenger cars led AVID’s growth with a 79% rise in sales, while light commercial vehicles grew by 3%.

AVID did not provide a breakdown for the two market segments.

“Creative and steady brand building activities by AVID member companies contributed heavily to the better-than-industry November sales performance,” the statement read.

“Growth from the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals, robust overseas Filipino remittances, strong investment inflows, and higher consumer spending with the onset of the Christmas season are the key factors to an optimistic business outlook in the next six to 12 months,” it added.

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., led the pack with 18,922 vehicles sold for the 11-month period.

The Covenant Car Company, Inc., importer of American automotive brand Chevrolet, came in a distant second with 2,434 units, followed by CATS Motors, Inc., importer of the German Mercedes Benz, with 892 cars.

“Strong sales of AVID in November bode well for promising prospects in 2012 with expectations of global and domestic economic improvements, positive consumer outlook and sustained resiliency of AVID brands,” AVID President and Hyundai Motor Co.’s local division Chief Executive Officer Maria Fe Perez-Agudo said in a statement.

Eliza J. Diaz, Business World

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