PHL one of Suzuki's growth drivers in Asia

CEBU, Philippines - Japanese compact car and motorcyle manufacturer Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) deems the Philippines as one of its largest growth drivers in Asia, bolstered by the growing population in the country, and the Filipinos’ interest to own quality and affordable motorcycle units.

SPH president Satoshi Uchida said that the company is expecting a good growth figure in the Philippines this year, encouraged by its success in generating a 14 percent growth in 2011, while the industry suffered a four percent plunge in terms of sales.

The company’s positive outlook for motor sales in the country, is being complemented with the opening of its new plant located in Carmelray Industrial Zone, in Calamba, Laguna, which has a capacity to produce 200 thousand motorcyle units a year.

This P1 billion plan, which will open in June this year, is an expansion from its old manufacturing plant located in Pasig City in Metro Manila, and if the production capacity will increase, SPH will add about 400 people to man the plant.

Uchida, together with the executives from SPH was in Cebu recently to officially launch its newest product called Suzuki GD110, an advanced commuter bike that will usher a new level of riding experience for Filipinos, as it comes packed with highly user-friendly features.

According to Uchida, the company has noted a good turnover of sales performance in the Philippines, thus, the SPH decided to expand its plant capacity in the Philippines, from 100 thousand in Pasig plant, to 200 thousand in Laguna. Last year, SPH produced a total of 70 thousand motorcyle units for the Philippine market.

SPH assistant general manager for Motor division Benedict Arreola said that the company is hitting a 24 percent growth for 2012, double to that of what it achieved last year, because of the company’s introduction to new units, such as the GD110, designed for mainstream market, that is only price less than P50,000.

According to Arreola, Suzuki will introduce more affordable, yet sophisticated motorcyle units this year in the Philippines. (FREEMAN)