GM not keen on joining MVDP

GM Automobiles Phils. is still not interested in joining the government’s Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) due to the continuing low volume of automobile sales in the country.

In an inteview with The STAR, James T.L. Lim, president and general manager of GM Automobiles Phils., explained that it is still not the right time to join the MVDP because of low automobile sales.

However, Lim was quick to assure that GM is still optimistic about the prospects of the local automotive market.

In fact, GM is hoping to increase its domestic market share with the introduction of a midsize luxury sports utility vehicle (SUV) and another passenger car model later this year.

Last year, Lim revealed that GM sold only 1,800 units, garnering just two percent of the total market.

This year, mainly because of the brisk sales of its Optra passenger car model and the introduction of some other models, Lim is projecting total sales to hit 4,000 units for a slightly bigger market share of 3.8 percent.

Lim boasted that the GM Optra is currently the "best value" passenger car available in its category.

GM intends to give further competition to other local automobile firms with the introduction of its 4.2-liter Trailblazer SUV.

The GM Trailblazer, Lim said, would compete with the Toyota Prado, Mitsubishi Pajero and the Nissan Patrol.

However, its expected price tag will start at P2.09 million.