Ford Motor Phils hikes CBU exports

Ford Motor Co. Philippines Inc. has been exporting more completely-built units (CBUs) than what it sells at the local market, reinforcing its distinction as the only automotive manufacturer shipping its products abroad.

Based on sales figures submitted to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), the local unit of the US- auto giant exported 5,752 units of the Lynx and Escape models over a 12-month period since May last year.

In contrast, Ford’s domestic sales have reached only less than half at 2,189 units in the first five months of 2003, the bulk of which are its commercial vehicle line of pick-ups and sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

With concerns of domestic price distortions over the new excise tax bill to be passed in Congress, Ford, along with other automakers, said it plans to further increase its CBU exports as soon as government firms up the corresponding incentive package.

Trade officials have earlier claimed the new perks for automotive exports will be issued this month. These possible incentives include a tax credit for every CBU export which could be applied to the company’s income tax.

The bulk of Ford’s exports went to Thailand with 2,294 Lynx units and 2,925 Escape models.

Its exports to Indonesia, meanwhile, comprised of 34 Lynx and 499 Escape units.

At the local market, Ford ranks sixth overall among automotive manufacturers in terms of total sales, but leads all assemblers in the light truck category with a 40-percent share of the market.