shouldn't the philippines have its own car brand?

[kath1595]

with all the great minds out there im sure that we can have our own local brand that we can be proud of...and i dont mean the saraos or the owner type jeep. im talking about something that looks modern and decent

[architect]

*kath1595 -

You might find the Tsikot Auto Design and Research subforum of interest. There are several discussion threads on designing and producing original cars - from owner type jeep derivatives to sports cars to Asian Utility Vehicle types.

[niky]

There are some people here, like architect, dprox, and the fine designers at the tsikot design forum, who'd like to make that dream a reality.

And there are local groups who've endeavored to make it happen... Francisco... the boys at the MVPMAP... and others.

Unfortunately... the plain truth is... we're a small market... unless some businessmen put up the large amounts of capital to set up a car manufacturing concern... one big enough to serve the whole ASEAN market (and with trade liberalization, it's actually possible)... the economies of scale won't be there to produce a truly world-class vehicle.

But with the efforts of local industry and some ingenuity... it's possible to make an Asian-class vehicle NOW. It's just a matter of political will.

[architect]

*niky,

I agree at this time it is more feasible to achieve an Asian-class vehicle rather than a world-class vehicle and our developmental efforts are along this line. That said, we need to clarify the distinction between the two categories, keeping in mind there are no well-defined standards.

What makes a vehicle “only” Asian-class and not world-class? Conversely, what qualifies a vehicle to be world-class? Obviously, with some brands – there are no arguments re their classifications – Lexus, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Infiniti, etc. Other brands have both high-end models and models that straddle the definitions. For instance, even if Toyota is a world-class brand, some can argue Toyota's IMV line of cars are not world-class simply because they are intended for third-world countries. Yet locally the Fortuner is considered a luxury model, and in the eyes of some owners, world class.

In addition, we have instances of having the same model configured differently for different markets. Drive a Ford Expedition in the US and drive its equivalent here in the Philippines. You will be able to tell them apart instantly. Or compare the Hyundai Tucson model in the US with the one being sold here – the latter clearly has less safety features. Does that make it Asian-class only while its American counterpart, world-class?

As much as there is no clear-cut delineation I think you will agree an Asian class vehicle categorization would generally imply lower price, less amenities, less safety features, and less advanced features. For “Asian-class” configuration of world-class models, obviously the lower price is achieved by the omission of certain features, significantly oftentimes, including safety features.

Rather than get caught in categorizations and feature focus, we have defined our design approach along functionality, careful not to sacrifice safety features as much as possible. To cite specific examples – a digital IP would be nice and trendy but it cost significantly much more then an analog set. True, the analog set may not be as accurate, but a good one will do the job. A curved windshield looks sportier but it also costs more. Unless we find a cost-effective OEM SKU that will be appropriate for our design, then we are willing to live with a flat one. Does that lessen the functionality? Obviously not. But it sure does lessen the cost. Similarly, having symmetrical air vents, side mirrors, lights all reduce the number of SKUs, and therefore production cost. Aesthetically, being symmetrical, they are still pleasing to the eye but obviously not as much as some of the more elaborate, feature-laden models. But, bottom line, they fulfill their respective functions. We have adopted this approach throughout the design process – in the choice of engine, chassis type, crumple zones, roll cage design, etc. In so doing, we have been able to minimize production cost.

Now as to whether the end-result will be considered world-class or not, the truth is it does not matter at this point. Why? Because our objective is to provide the Filipino people, especially the masses, with enabling mobility. If we succeed in this point, then we have succeeded.

And as for production cost and economy of scale, we have also redefined the manufacturing process that has allowed us to adopt a radical baseline. We have even gone so far as to redefine the distribution chain to minimize mark-ups. We have done these all in the context of what is admittedly a limited market. And in so doing, we have increased our chances of succeeding from a financial viewpoint as well.

As these involve confidential information, I’d be more than happy to discuss with you off-line.

PS. It is not so much as political will but the genuine interests of the stakeholders at the grass-roots level that is critical. There are already some existing supporting legislative infrastructure. This is, of course, notwithstanding, other detrimental government initiatives.

[uls]

sino po ang mamumuhunan?

yan po ang tanong.

[boydapa]

pagproduce nga lng ng simpleng bigas hindi magawa ng tama eh yan pa kayang oto

my golly

[coiter]

what for? just to prove that we can? to make a profit? to challenge the major car makers? have a source of national pride? offer a super low cost alternative? after it's developed, what's next?

i don't want to sound too pessimistic here nor am i against the efforts and dreams of many, but i don't see how it will survive after it's built unless we totally close the country's automotive market to foreign brands.

ika nga, pang bragging rights na lang. IMO. peace!

[uls]

sino mamumuhunan?

itaas ang kamay.

i don't see any hands.

-------------

meron nga tayo talent and skill dito...

dami nga tayo talent and skill dito e...

sa sobra dami ineexport natin...

[kevinpunzalan]

Lots of reasons!:

1) Creating a niche car brand for the ASEAN market creates long-term jobs, not only in manufacturing, but in R&D, business management, marketing, finance and trade. Imagine if we put the talent of the Pinoy to work in these fields instead of sending him/her abroad to do lesser jobs?

2) Creating a brand that caters to the needs of Asians means cars that are more suited to local conditions (i.e. more durable shocks, flexifuel cars, etc)

3) Creating our own car brand and later exporting to our neighbors will boost our GNP and improve our balance of trade vis-a-vis other countries = more money being made AND staying in the country... which means we have more money to spend in the local economy, or to use to buy critical goods from abroad.

The possibilities are endless.

[mazingerZ]

Why not do a tie-up with an established auto manufacturer, like the case of Proton in Malaysia. Kaso nga lang it would take a lot of political will and it would be gamble for our budding capitalists should we decide to venture into this foray. Ika nga, the chances are slim but we could also do it. Pucha mga engineer at mga designer nga natin nagtatrabaho sa labas ng pinas for large automobile manufacturers. Why not do it here?