CAMPI looks for alternative sources of automotive parts

Manila, Philippines - The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) is working with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association Inc (JAMA) to look for alternative sources of auto parts to mitigate the impact of shortage of parts supply from Japan.

In a statement, CAMPI president Elizabeth H. Lee said that although the supply of vehicles is ample to meet the market demand at this time, common problems across brand makes are starting to affect the production of vehicles locally.

She said they are seeking measures to help mitigate the impact on parts supply which include CKD packs by temporarily switching from parts suppliers who are still unable to resume operations, to those who are less affected by the disaster.

 “As a result, ASEAN governments are requested to accept vehicles whose parts are sourced from different suppliers who are equally compliant with required standards to be accepted even prior to obtaining type approvals for the specific parts,” Lee said.

Automakers still have inventories to supply demand at this time. However, the production of models for the coming months will be affected to a degree where lacking parts are yet to be supplied to complete the vehicles to be assembled in the plants.

Meanwhile, assemblers are optimizing scheduled downtimes by tying it up with the upcoming Holy Week holidays to minimize disruption as well as maximize operating schedules. There are no reports however, of any layoffs due to the effect of the disaster.

“This is a time where automakers once again, are coming together to work towards solutions and accelerate the resumption of operations to normal levels at the soonest time possible. Each country’s auto assemblers are doing its best to help lessen and shorten the gap. We are working together with our brand principals and our own local autoworkers as we go through these rough times, albeit temporary,” Lee said.