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

It has been quite a while since the Mitsubishi Mirage enjoyed its glory days. Thirty years to be exact.

As a three-door, front-wheel drive compact hatchback, the Mirage (also called the Colt), with its iconic Super Shift transmission (an “eight-speed” shifter thanks to the four forward gears that could be set to either “Power” or “Economy” mode), was an instant hit for a market. It came at a time when there was a demand for a sporty yet inexpensive ride in view of prevailing high crude oil prices because of the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1973 and the Iranian revolution in 1978.

Mitsubishi, however, decided to discontinue the Mirage in the Philippines that by the mid-’80s the market has seen the last of the compact hatch brand’s new units on the roads.

At the recent 42nd Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi sprang a surprise by putting the incarnation of the Mirage on display. The event bigger surprise is the announcement that this 2012 Mirage is scheduled to go on sale in Thailand this coming March.

Few more months

This means the Philippines will only have to wait for a few more months before finally reuniting with this remarkable brand from Mitsubishi.

This is great news for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., considering it has been a while since the company had a model that competes in the sub-compact and compact hatch (MMPC’s “smallest” and most affordable model is the 1.6-liter Lancer).

Based on the one displayed at the motor show, the 2012 Mirage is 3.71 meters long, 1.665 meters wide, and 1.49 meters tall and could comfortably seat five passengers.

Emerging markets

Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko explained during the unveiling that designers of the 2012 Mirage focused on compactness, affordability, and high fuel efficiency in order to fit the needs of emerging markets (like the Philippines) that needs an affordable entry-level model as well as needs of advanced markets that require fuel efficiency and low-CO2 emission.

The 2012 Mirage is fitted with a 1.0 liter, 3-cylinder Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (Mivec) engine. What is more interesting is that this engine is already equipped with the company’s new Auto Stop and Go (AS&G) idle-stop technology, regenerative braking system, and a continuously variable transmission.

The AS&G is an idle-stop mechanism that reduces fuel consumption by automatically shutting off the engine when the car is stopped at traffic lights, etc.

The regenerative braking system is a technology that could recapture much of the kinetic energy as the vehicle brakes, converting it into electricity that can be used to power the vehicle’s other functions.

30 kpl

With these two important features along with the significant weight reduction Mitsubishi did in almost all parts of the car, improvements in the engine, transmission, brakes and in 14-inch tires so the rolling resistance is much reduced, and the reshaping of the body to make it more aerodynamic and much more maneuverable, the 2012 Mirage has been rated to achieve a phenomenal 30 km per liter of gasoline fuel efficiency!

This also means the 2012 Mirage also enjoys a very low CO2 emissions.

But while Mitsubishi did not reveal the 2012 Mirage’s CO2 emission and passive safety standards compliance, it could be assumed that its CO2 emissions is no more than 120 g/km as well as meets the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulations 94 and 95) safety standards.

Masuko said that the 2012 Mirage is expected to do well in such countries as China, Russia, Brazil and those in Southeast Asia. “We will aim to boost sales with globally competitive vehicles such as this compact models that meet the needs of the middle class in emerging markets,” Masuko said.

Text and Photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer Business

Tsikot.com Philippines

Total motor vehicle sales in the 11-month period this year declined 1.9 percent to 131,242 units in the same period last year largely pulled down by the significant decline in November sales as the flooding in the Thailand took its toll on the local supply, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) said.

In a report, CAMPI said the Thai flooding has caused a significant 10.4 percent decline in sales in November as sales in both passenger and commercial vehicles slump to 12,090 units from 13,489 units the previous month. Compared to November last year, the November 2011 sales dropped 3.3 percent.

Of the total sales, the passenger car segment suffered the biggest loss of 5.6 percent as sales hit only a total of 41,789 units from 44,252 units in the same 11-month period last year. Sales of passenger cars in November took a beating with 34.1 percent decrease versus November 2010 sales. The same decline was posted versus October 1011 sales.

The commercial vehicle segment also slightly declined 0.04 percent to 89,453 units from 89,487 units.

“The decline can be attributed to the initial effects of the supply problem in Thailand, which limited the availability of some models in the domestic market,” the CAMPI statement stated. Most of the local carplayers import their completely built up units and parts supplies from Thailand, the region’s automotive hub.

Except for light commercial vehicles (LCVs or the compact sports utility vehicles) and trucks and buses, all other vehicle categories suffered a decline in the January-November 2011 reckoning period.

LCVs managed to post a very modest 0.1 percent improvement to 53,752 units over 53,672 units in the January-November period this year. The LCVs already account for a hefty 59.98 percent of the total domestic vehicle market.

Sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) declined 0.4 percent to 33,036 units from 33,180 units in the same 11 months last year. The LCVs account for 37.08 percent of the total domestic vehicle market. In November, however, LCV sales posted a hefty 21.7 percent increase to 5,741 units versus 4,718 units in November 2010 but it declined a negative 2 percent versus October 2011 sales.

The light trucks category posted a negative 0.7 percent in the January-November period as sales hit only 1,708 units from 1,720 units in the first 11 months of the year. This category also posted a 15.6 percent decrease compared to November 2010 sales of 160 units as November 2011 sales hit only 142 units.

Sales of trucks and buses registered a positive 4.7 percent increase to 958 units sold in the January-November period versus 915 units in the same period last year.

However, sales for this category in the November 2011 posted a sharp decline of 52.3 percent as the sector only sold 61 units versus 136 units in November 2011. It also posted a higher decline of 55.1 percent compared to October 2011 sales of 136 units.

In terms of ranking, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. posted a 1.2 percent cline in sales for the first 11 months this year with sales of 50,610 units over 51,232 units in the same period last year. For the November month alone, TMPC sold 5,294 units reflecting a 15.1 percent improvement versus the previous month sales performance of 5,896 units.

Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recorded sales of 3,117 units in May, making it the number one automotive manufacturer last month and dislodging forerunner Toyota Motor Philippines Corp.

MMPC accounted for 28.6 percent market share of total sales in May and represented a 15.3-percent compared to the same month last year, while year-to-date figures registered an increase of 9.1 percent with 14,062 units sold compared to 12,891 units sold same period last year.

Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that MMPC also dominated the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment registering a 39 percent market share.

MMPC attributed the robust sales performance to the strong consumer demand for its Montero Sport, Strada pick-up and locally manufactured models such as the Adventure and L300.

MMPC said these models continue to attract their respective markets due to its high value for money proposition, low cost of operation.

Aggressive sales promotions and flexible financing plans as well as affordable payment schemes helped boost sales.

Hikosaburo Shibata, president and chief executive officer of MMPC said, he is optimistic of achieving 2011 sales target of 36,000 units and increasing market share to 20 percent.

“Given our notable performance for the first five months of the year and with the upgrades of our best selling models, I am highly confident that MMPC’s sales will continue to surge,” Shibata said.

Malay Business Insights

Tsikot.com Philippines

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) yesterday said it recorded sales of 3,117 units in May, dislodging Toyota Motor Philippines as the No.1 automotive manufacturer for the month.

MMPC accounted for a 28.6 percent market share of total sales in May.

In the first five months, Mitsubishi sold 14,062 units, an increase of 9.1 percent from 12,891 units sold during the same period last year.

Combined reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed that MMPC also dominated the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, registering a 39 percent market share.

MMPC attributed the robust sales performance to the strong consumer demand for its Montero Sport, Strada pick-up and locally manufactured models such as the Adventure and L300.

MMPC said these models continue to attract their respective markets due to their high value for money proposition and low cost of operation.

Aggressive sales promotions and flexible financing plans as well as affordable payment schemes helped boost sales.

Hikosaburo Shibata, president and chief executive of MMPC, said he is optimistic of achieving the 2011 sales target of 36,000 units and increasing Mitsubishi’s market share to 20 percent.

“Given our notable performance for the first five months of the year and with the upgrades of our best-selling models, I am highly confident that MMPC’s sales will continue to surge,” Shibata said.

Malaya Business Insight

Tsikot.com Philippines

Car sales declined by 11 percent in May from a year ago level because of dwindling stocks as the industry continues to reel from the impact of the twin disasters in Japan early this year.

At the same time, the preliminary report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) showed that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp has overtaken Toyota Motor Philippines as the leading auto brand in terms of market share.

CAMPI data showed that total industry sales for May stood at 10,913 units, down 7.6 percent from the 11,815 units sold a month ago and an 11 percent fall when compared to May 2010.

An industry insider who spoke on the condition of anonymity confirmed earlier reports that the four percent growth target of CAMPI will be slashed to factor in the devastation in Japan.

Mitsubishi is now the leading auto brand in terms of market share with sales hitting 3,117 units for May. Toyota followed with sales of 3,017 units. Honda Cars Philippines Inc ranked third with 1,115 units.

Mitsubishi managed boost its May sales by 11 percent when compared to April while Toyota declined by 34 percent May to April.

Mitsubishi sold most of the commercial vehicles followed by Toyota. For passenger cars, Honda topped the market followed by Toyota.

In a separate statement, Ford Group Philippines reported that its overall May sales jumped 85 percent to 817 units from a year ago.

Ford Fiesta recorded its best monthly performance in May with sales of 324 units, helping to further establish its position as a leader in the small car segment. For the five-month period, sales of Fiesta reached 1,406 units.

“Sales of the all-new Fiesta are contributing to our strong performance and underscore its strategic role in transforming our business,” said Randy Krieger, president, Ford Group Philippines. “Fiesta is attracting a wide range of Filipino customers who appreciate its class-leading style, smart technology, superior fuel efficiency and unmatched safety in a small car.”

Ford’s May performance was also supported by continued strong sales of Ford Everest and Ford Ranger. Sales of Everest rose 47 percent year-over-year to 226 units, while Ranger sales increased 38 percent to 102 units. The Ford Focus turned in its best monthly performance of the year with sales of 62 units.

“We’re continuing to experience strong demand across our full product lineup that is contributing to our sales performance,” added Krieger. “It’s a strong indication that our One Ford strategy is working, and we’re offering the right vehicles in this market that suit a diverse range of Filipino lifestyles and requirements.”

Overall sales of Ford brand vehicles in the Philippines through the first five months of the year continue to outpace the overall industry, having risen 63 percent from the same period a year ago to 3,968 vehicles.

Philippine Star Business

Tsikot.com Philippines

Vehicle and auto parts makers affected by the March 11 earthquake in northern Japan are starting to resume normal operations, with the affected plants now mostly up and running.

According to a report by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Meti), all factories of Honda Motor Co. resumed operations as early as April 11. Those of Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. followed a week after.

All three car makers have assembly plants in the Philippines.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. announced two weeks ago that factory operations would go back to normal starting Wednesday, after several weeks of halving output and implementing a three-day workweek.

In an earlier interview, Honda Cars Philippines Inc. president and general manager Tatsuya Natsume said the car maker’s Sta. Rosa plant would also churn out only half of its normal output until the end of May.

While production could be ramped up again to normal levels after that, he said operations would not be completely normal until the end of the year. For the most part, it was still difficult to say when things would go back to absolute normalcy as the situation in Japan, particularly in the parts market, was still very fluid.

He said the most critical vehicle component that various auto manufacturers, not only Honda, were having problems with in terms of supply was the automotive microchip, being supplied mainly by Japan’s Renesas Electronics Corp.

Inquirer Business

Tsikot.com Philippines

The Mitsubishi Montero Sport continues to lead the SUVs in the local market, that’s according to the sales figures of Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. which recorded 4,115 units sold in the first four months of 2011. The Montero Sport, which was introduced to the Philippine market in 2008, has sold a total of 25,832 units. The Montero Sport topped the SUV category in 2009 and 2010.

The Montero Sport’s impressive sales performance has been recognized in the Mitsubishi world, with sales of 1,378 units in 2008, after it was introduced in the local market only in September of that year. In 2009, Mitsubishi’s bestseller sold 8,092 units, and in 2010, there were 12,247 units sold.

Another bestseller model of MMPC is the Strada pickup which was introduced to the local market in September 2006, and has sold a total of 13,488 units. The Strada held on to the title of No. 1 in the 4×4 pickup category in 2007, 2008 and 2010. In 2010, 3,978 units of the Strada were sold.

In the first four months of the year, MMPC recorded a 7.4 percent growth with a total of 10,945 units sold. The company increased its sales in several industry categories. In the light commercial vehicles (LCV) category, Mitsubishi increased by 9.3 percent with 10,238 units sold, and in the trucks segment, its Fuso truck sales also increased by 72 percent.

Cornering 22.8 percent market share, MMPC keeps its rank as the second best-selling automotive brand in the country, based on reports from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturers Association.

In a press statement, MMPC said “this favorable performance is due to the strong demand of its best seller models such as the Montero Sport and Strada pick up models which recently had its upgrade with the variable geometry turbo technology which has significantly improved its performance and value for money proposition.”

Sales of the Adventure and L300 models, which are both locally produced, were sustained by the summer high-season trend. “Adventure sales increased by 18.4 percent with sales of 2,469 units while the L300 sales also increased by 13.2 percent with 1,972 units sold,” the MMPC statement disclosed.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hikosaburo Shibata, the new MMPC president and CEO, commented on the “limited effects on MMPC’s production” of the East Japan earthquake on Japanese automakers. “The parts shortage in Japan brought about by the devastating earthquake and tsunami last month has less impact on us especially for our CKD models such as the Adventure and L300 which comprises 40 percent of our total sales.”

He explained that the Adventure and L300 which are produced in MMPC’s Cainta plant have high local content of more than 50 percent.

“And for CBU models coming from Thailand, so far we are getting continuous supply,” Mr. Shibata added. MMPC imports the Montero and Strada from Thailand. Both models contribute around 50 percent to MMPC sales.

Manila Bulletin Online

Tsikot.com Philippines

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) yesterday said the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan have limited impact on its operations.

“The parts shortage in Japan brought about by the devastating earthquake and tsunami last month has less impact to us,” said Hikosaburo Shibata, president and chief executive of MMPC.

Shibata said this goes especially for MMPC’s completely knocked-down (CKD) models such as the Adventure and L300, which account for 40 percent of the company’s total sales.

The Adventure and L300, which are produced in MMPC’s Cainta plant, have a high local content of more than 50 percent, Shibata said.

Shibata also gave the assurance that MMPC is getting continuous supply for completely built-up (CBU) models that come from Thailand.

MMPC imports the Montero and Strada from Thailand. These contribute around 50 percent to MMPC sales.

Mitsubishi remains the second best-selling automotive brand in the country, capturing a 22.8 percent market share for January to April.

MMPC in the first four months of the year posted a 7.4-percent growth in sales to 10,945 units sold, data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. and Truck Manufacturers Association showed.

The group posted increases in several industry categories, such as in light commercial vehicles (LCV), where sales increased 9.3 percent with 10,238 units sold, and in the trucks segment, where its Fuso truck sales also increased 72 percent.

MMPC credits this favorable performance to the strong demand for its best-selling models such as the Montero Sport and Strada pickup, with the latter recently upgraded with the variable geometry turbo technology, which significantly improves performance and value for money proposition.

Sales of the locally produced Adventure and L300 models are very well sustained by the summer high season trend. Adventure sales increased 18.4 percent with 2,469 units sold, while L300 sales also rose 13.2 percent with 1,972 units sold, the company said.

Malaya Business Insights

Tsikot.com Philippines

Vehicle sales in the first four months rose 4.7 percent to 48,109 units from the previous year’s 45,910 units, but the full-year growth forecast of 4-5 percent will have to be revised due to the Japan crisis.

Documents from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) and the Truck Manufacturers Association showed that the industry had average sales of 12,027 units a month in the January-April period, still within the sector’s growth forecast for the year.

However, considering the impact of the Japan crisis on the auto industry and not only on the Japanese brands, Campi president Elizabeth Lee said the projected growth figure might not materialize and might have to be revised.

“Currently, we are still within the forecast range. However, this may be revised accordingly as we move forward in the coming months, with greater visibility on the extent of the damage and its lingering effect on local operations,” she said.

The March earthquake in Japan caused a tsunami that leveled villages, left thousands dead and hundreds of businesses crippled. The auto industry was one of those badly affected, considering the length of its supply chain and the need to deliver various parts and components to different parts of Japan and the world.

The local units of Japanese carmakers Toyota Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. all implemented reduced production, by as much as 50 percent, and shortened workweeks. Even Ford Group Philippines cut production. These efforts were initiated to stretch existing key parts inventories while waiting for fresh deliveries from their Japanese suppliers.

“Although some key parts suppliers’ plants have resumed operations, they have yet to operate at normal levels. Hence, demand will continue to outpace supply temporarily, as plants try to ramp up operations to higher levels at the soonest time possible,” Lee said.

During the first four months, commercial vehicle sales inched up 2.8 percent to 31,815 units from the 30,948 units sold in the same period a year ago.

Passenger car sales, on the other hand, rose to 16,294 units from January to April, 8.9 percent better than the previous year’s 14,962 units.

In April alone, industry sales fell 4.5 percent to 11,816 units from the 12,374 units sold in the same month last year.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. continued to hold the first position with 18,440 units in sales in the first four months for a 38-percent share of the market. Second was Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp., which sold 10,945 vehicles in the same period, or a 23-percent share of the pie.
In a separate statement, Hyundai Auto Resources Inc. reported a 3-percent rise in sales for the January-April period to 6,419 units from the previous year’s 6,251 units. In April alone, sales rose 5 percent to 1,707 units from last year’s 1,679 units.

Philippine Daily Inquirer Business

Tsikot.com Philippines