Local auto makers upbeat on prospects

MANILA, Philippines - Local vehicle assemblers are upbeat on the continued growth of the local automotive industry, with the upcoming Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) seen to support higher sales.

Rommel Gutierrez, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and vice president for corporate affairs of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., said the 5th PIMS which would feature the latest offerings of 17 participating automotive brands, is expected to further promote the growth of the local vehicle industry.

“This year’s PIMS will be a celebration of the country’s booming automotive industry. With more exhibits from the car manufacturers and distributors than any other motor show in the country, the 5th PIMS will serve as the launch pad for the members of CAMPI,” he said.

Amid favorable economic conditions and growing number of people planning to make vehicle purchases, the PIMS, which would be held from Sept. 18 to 21 at the World Trade Center, is seen to help further drive the growth of the automotive industry.

This, as the number of people who are interested in buying cars especially the more affordable ones, is growing.

Toyota and its luxury vehicle brand, Lexus, which are among the participating brands, are expected to bring their latest products to the show.

For Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp. (MMPC)  president Hikosaburo Shibata, the PIMS is expected to help participating firms achieve higher sales with aggressive promotions for the show seen to result in better attendance numbers this year.

“We are also expecting that the 5th PIMS will be instrumental in attaining or even surpassing our target sales for the year by converting our foot traffic and inquiries to sales,” he said.

MMPC will showcase 14 vehicles including the All-New Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors Concept GR Hybrid Electric Vehicle, and Mitsubishi Concept MiEV.

Honda Cars Philippines Inc. president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara said the PIMS is a good opportunity for the company which aims to grow in line with the industry, to launch new vehicle models to cater to the Filipino market.

“We at Honda, are very excited for this year’s PIMS as we will take this momentous opportunity and occasion to launch additional new models to our line up, the All New Brio Hatchback and the All-New Brio Amaze Sedan. Honda will also showcase our other vehicles which we have recently launched such as the Philippine favorite the All-New City and the much desired hatchback All-New Jazz,” he said.

With high demand seen for compact cars, Suzuki Philippines, Inc. general manager for automobile sales and marketing division Shuzo Hoshikura said the firm intends to focus more on such models for the PIMS.

The firm would display two of its latest vehicle models – the Swift 1.2-liter engine variant and seven-seater life utility vehicle Ertiga, along with other products in the lineup during the motor show.

“This is our way of showcasing what we can offer to the compact segments, which is a result of continuous innovation and adaptation to local market trends,” Hoshikura said.