HARI car sales jump 35% in January-April

MANILA, Philippines - Car sales of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) in April rose 11 percent from the same period last year, driven by strong sales of passenger cars (PC).

HARI sold 1,099 units in April from 645 units sold in the same month last year.

The car importer noted in its sales report that while PC models continue to drive the strong sales performance, there was a slowdown in light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales due to delayed arrival of shipment.

HARI registered a 35% growth in total sales for the period of January to April 2012. This was brought about by the 113 percent rise in passenger car (PC) sales — from 2,534 units sold in the first four months of 2011 to 5,396 units sold in the same period this year.

Models in the PC segment such as the i10, Accent and Elantra increased sales. The entry of the new Eon in April, likewise, generated increased interest in Hyundai vehicles.

“We begin the second quarter with a strong sales performance based on a sustained favorable business climate and positive consumer outlook. Our strong vehicle portfolio and the entry of new models coupled with aggressive brand building efforts will shore us up through the remainder of the year,” said HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.

HARI noted that according to Nielsen’s Global Consumer Index, the Philippines placed in the top 11 of most optimistic countries in the world.

“The Philippine economy is expected to remain on track this year on the back of higher public infrastructure spending and improved investor confidence against the short-term challenges of global uncertainties, particularly in the Euro zone,” HARI said in the sales report.