In a press briefing on Thursday, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) president Elizabeth H. Lee said there is a need to strengthen the completely knocked down (CKD) business because it is where the jobs are.

Lee estimated that the auto industry supports half a million families as it employs 74,000 workers.She said CAMPI has met with the Board of Investments (BOI) last month to discuss ways to help cushion the industry from the effects of the slowdown in consumer demand.

Lee said one of the measures proposed by CAMPI was to at least lower the excise tax imposed by the government. A two percent excise tax is placed on 600,000 units; 12 percent up to 1.2 million units and 20 percent on the excess.

“It is pretty hefty. We are asking if this can be shaved,” Lee said.

However, because the government is getting its money for the economic stimulus fund from taxes, Lee said they have also proposed other measures. She said they have asked the BOI to permanently include the industry in the government’s Investments Priorities Plan (IPP).

The IPP, which is changed annually, lists industries that can qualify for tax breaks. No industry is permanently included in the IPP.

For this year, Lee said they are hoping that they will remain in the IPP to encourage capital infusion.

Likewise, Lee said the government must prioritize buying locally assembled vehicles for their re-fleeting program.

“This is similar to President Arroyo’s buy Pinoy, buy local program, which encouarages local government units to prioritize locally made products over imported ones,” she explained.

Aside from this, Lee appealed to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilpinas (BSP) to amend its rule that requires 20 percent down payment for vehicle purchases. Lee explained that whenever car companies offer a zero downpayment scheme, the firm must shoulder the initial cash outlay.

“Reducing the required down payment will help us. At the same time, maybe they (BSP) can also lower the interest rates,” she added.

Despite the call for help from the government, Lee stressed that the local auto industry is not in a crisis. She said the worse case scenario for the industry is a flat growth. Initial industry projection was at two to four percent growth for this year.

By Ma. Elisa p. Osorio, Philippine Star

The Event

The 2nd Philippine International Motor Show slated on August 21 to 24, 2008 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City comes on the heels of last year’s successful motor show event that showcased the newest breed of passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles from local auto manufacturers and distributors.

2008 Event Theme

“Drive the Future: Towards safer and cleaner motoring” is the theme of the 2nd PIMS. Through this advocacy, CAMPI hopes to promote public awareness on measures that help reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions by supporting the Clean Air Act. This will be realized through the introduction of fuel-efficient automobiles such as hybrid cars and clean-burning, diesel-powered vehicles.

More Mileage at the 2nd PIMS

This year’s PIMS not only includes an exhibition of concept or prototype vehicles and the latest advancements in automotive technology, but also provides consumers with wider vehicle alternatives in terms of more value for money, lower maintenance cost, having better safety features, fuel efficient and significantly lower CO2 emissions.

Other unique features of this year’s PIMS:

• Automotive lifestyle events such as: automotive photography, fashion photography with cars, in-mobile entertainment exhibition, die-cast and scale model exhibits, and fine artists’ sessions;
• Technical/Garage workshops on car product installations, engine upgrading, car detailing, and preparing your car for a motor show;
• Outdoor activities such as: car club meets , free emission testing, and vehicle test drives; and
• Youth-focused activities such as educational tours for technical schools; and
• Seminars on safety driving, anti-counterfeit campaign, and Motor Sports 101.

Sustaining PIMS Events

The 2nd PIMS will still feature the following activities:

• 2nd Transport Design Competition for students
• Presentations of CAMPI members
• Special Auto Financing Promo by BPI Family Savings Bank

Bigger and Better PIMS

The event promises to be an even bigger motor show with the following additional highlights:

• Opening ceremony to gather the country’s top leaders in government and business, with no other than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as keynote speaker;
• Wider floor area, with the new East Hall, making a total exhibit floor area of 11,000 sq.m. – a 30% increase in exhibitors’ space and number of exhibitors than last year’s motor show
• Participation of more than 20 powerful global auto brand marques represented by CAMPI members – the movers and shakers in the Philippine automotive industry – as well as leading brands in affiliate and support industries.

About CAMPI

CAMPI stands for the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), the umbrellaindustry organization of composed of 13 of the country’s biggest automotive manufacturers and assemblersdistributors who weare participants to the Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) of the government and/or official distributors of global automotive brands.

Since it was formed on May 16, 1995, CAMPI actively engages in the formation of policies, programs, regulations and standards in the industry. It is also in the forefront of major advocacies designed to further develop the local automotive industry and preserve the gains achieved under the MVDP.

Below are CAMPI’s current members:

1. Asian Carmakers Corp.
2. Columbian Autocar Corp.
3. GM Automobiles Philippines, Inc.
4. Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
5. Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.
6. Isuzu Philippines Corp.
7. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines
8. Nissan Motor Philippines, Inc.
9. PGA Cars, Inc.
10. Scandinavian Motors Corp.
11. Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.
12. Universal Motors Corp.
13. Suzuki Philippines, Inc.

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