Mazda aims for 30% hike in car sales this year

MANILA, Philippines - The local distributor of Mazda aims to grow its vehicle sales by roughly 30 percent this year as takes advantage of the growing demand for cars.

Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. president and chief executive officer Steven Tan said the firm is looking to sell up to 3,500 units this year, up from 2,600 units in 2013.

“Growth drivers are industry growth and new products like the Mazda3 which we launched in May,” he said.

He said the firm wants to grow its sales as the local vehicle industry is enjoying higher demand.

Aside from the rising demand for cars, as well as Mazda’s new vehicle offering, the firm also expects the increase in the dealership network to drive higher sales.

The firm expects to end the year with 16 dealerships as it opens a new outlet in North Edsa this month.

While the company wants to grow its sales, Tan said achieving higher sales would depend on the supply of the vehicles.

 “Supply is still very tight from Japan because of the popularity of the new Mazda3 and Mazda6,” he said.

Aside from the Mazda3 compact sedan and Mazda6 executive sedan, other Mazda vehicles imported from Japan being sold here are the MX-5 two-seater sports roadster, as well as the CX-5 and CX-9 sports utility vehicles.

The Mazda2 hatchback and BT-50 pickup truck meanwhile, are imported from Thailand.

In the long-term, Berjaya Auto Philippines aims to make Mazda among the top five vehicle brands in the country.

 “We are not far from that. It is important to have an ambition because that ambition becomes your goal and the goal drives the business,” Tan said.

Berjaya Auto Philippines began its operations as a distributor of Mazda vehicles in January last year after acquiring the rights previously held by Ford Group Philippines.