Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was only able to sell 316 passenger cars in the first three months of 2012. But this year, we're glad to hear that they've done a lot better. You see, year-to-date sales of Mitsubishi's passenger cars totaled 2,172 units in the first quarter of 2013, which is a mind-blowing 587.3% increase from 2012. And the reason behind this surge are the new Lancer EX 1.6 and the newly-crowned 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines, the Mirage.
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Industry Update
It was only two weeks ago when we got the news that Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, and Honda were all involved in a major Global Airbag Recall that affected 3.4 million cars worldwide. The first to make a move was Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) who confirmed that some 9,743 local units of 2001 - 2002 Civics and CRVs are included and have thus issued a recall of their own. Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. (BAP), on the other hand, assured us that none of the locally-sold Mazdas are part of the campaign. And the latest car manufacturer to issue an official statement regarding the Global Airbag Recall is Nissan Motors Philippines, Inc. (NMPI).
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Industry Update
19 April 2013
Audi Philippines records 28% sales growth in Q1 of 2013
PGA Cars Inc., or more specifically Audi Philippines has just reported a whopping 28% year-on-year growth in Q1 of 2013 as compared to 2012. They've surpassed initial targets and the sales increase is mainly attributed to new entry-levels models they introduced early this year; more specifically the new Audi Q3 and A1 five-door Sportback. According to Audi Philippines Sales Director Lito Jose, these two new compacts “ushers a new phase for Audi in the country, because for the first time we have a model below P2,000,000.”
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Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc. (BAP), Mazda's new exclusive importer and distributor in the country, is on a roll. In just a few months after they took over the Mazda brand last January, they're now opening their second dealership under the new company, complete with a showroom, and parts and service facility. Mazda Cabanatuan is Mazda's 11th dealership in the country - a 3S dealership facility situated along Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City.
After Mazda Dagupan that opened in February 2012, Mazda Cabanatuan is the Laus Group's second Mazda dealership which goes to show just how happy they are with the brand's performance.
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Industry Update
16 April 2013
HARI bounces back with 4% growth in March 2013
Whew! After a dismal start to the year, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI) is finally back on their feet after posting a 4% year-on-year sales growth in March 2013. In total, Hyundai tallied 2,327 units sold versus the 2,245 units in March 2012. Although it's not enough to offset January's 7.5% and February's 31% sales drop, it's more than enough to boost their spirits and work even harder for the remaining nine months of the year.
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Industry Update
15 April 2013
Nobuo Izumina to assume presidency of Isuzu PH on May 3
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Ryoji Yamazaki took the top post at Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) back in April 1, 2010 from his previous assignment as General Manger of Isuzu Motors Limited's International Department. But after three years as President, it's time for Yamazaki-san to move on and hand over the position to Nobuo Izumina, IPC's new President starting May 3, 2013.
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While it might not be their best-selling model of the month, the all-new Focus was still able to help drive Ford Philippines' sales up by 61% in March 2013. That's because the blue oval brand was able to sell 101 units in March which is its strongest sales performance since the model was launched last year. Because of this, overall sales of the compact increased by 55% in the first quarter of 2013. Not bad Ford. Not bad at all.
On a bigger perspective, March's retail sales rose 61% year-over-year to 1,000 vehicles compared to 2012's mere 623. But do care to note that they were suffering from a supply shortage back then.
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Industry Update
03 April 2013
AVID sales down by 20% in February 2013
This is definitely not the way to start the year. 7 out of 11 members of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) have just reported a 20% sales drop in February 2013. Collectively, they recorded only 2,303 units sold compared to the 2,881 units from February 2013. On a year-to-date (YTD) standpoint, that's still a 11% decline in just the first two months of the year.
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Industry Update
