04 February 2013
Ford Philippines awards Top Dealers of 2012; Ford Quezon Ave named Dealer of the Year
Ford Philippines recently held its 2013 Annual Ford Dealer Convention to recognize their best and brightest dealers of 2012. And coming out on top is Ford Quezon Avenue, who was named the “2012 Dealer of the Year” for its distinction in wholesale, retail sales, and customer service. Meanwhile, the “Dealer of the Year” for provincial was awarded to Ford Iloilo.
Then, there were those who received distinction as Metro Manila's “Top Selling Dealer” for specific Ford models. These were Ford Alabang for the Ford Fiesta, Escape, Explorer, and Expedition, and Ford Global City for the Ford Focus, Mustang, Expedition, and E-150. Ford Global City was also distinguished for its performance in fleet sales.
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Industry Update
01 February 2013
Toyota officially reclaims title as world's largest automaker
Words by Christopher Kho
This is it! The official numbers are finally in, and Toyota is once again the world's largest automaker. Its 2012 global vehicle sales report show that the Japanese giant sold 9.748 million vehicles, which means it dethrones General Motors - who sold 9.29 million vehicles last year - from the no. 1 spot. Coming in at third is the Volkswagen group, which includes VW, Audi, and Porsche, with sales tallying at 9.09 million vehicles.
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Industry Update
31 January 2013
Petron Corporation shuts down 21 shady service station dealers
Words by Christopher Kho
The hardworking men and women at Petron Corporation have shed their blood, sweat, and tears to get the Philippine oil giant, and its more than 2,000 stations nationwide, where it is today. But apparently, they've discovered that there have been a few weasels amongst their ranks that have been destroying their company's good name. And earlier this week, they reported that the contracts of some 21 service station dealers were terminated over a 12-month period - from January 2012 to January 2013 - for “dumping” activities.
According to their report, “dumping” happens when a service station gets their fuel supply from other sources of questionable quality. Then, they pass it off as Petron products to some unfortunate customers who unwittingly load their vehicles with substandard products.
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Industry Update
Words by Christopher Kho
Ford Philippines has even bigger plans for 2013. They set their eyes on expanding their nationwide network to 35 dealers by the middle of the year - 12 more than what they had a year ago. And the 29th and latest dealership to open their doors for business is the newly-built Makati Ford that stands along Pasong Tamo, Makati City.
Makati Ford has a dealership floor area of 1,500 sq. meters that can fit nine vehicles in its showroom and another 30 in service. They also have 12 fully-equipped service bays to keep Fords on the road in tip top shape. Makati Ford is owned by dealer principal Edmund Yee, who also runs Ford EDSA Greenhills, Ford Connecticut, and Ford Cainta.
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Industry Update
29 January 2013
Chevrolet Philippines goes big time; Blazes by 20% in 2012
Words by Christopher Kho
The Covenant Car Company Inc. (TCCCI) took over the bow tie brand in 2010 and rescued it from misery. Although it wasn't exactly bad back then, its previous owners could have only dreamed of what Chevrolet Philippines has become today. And three years of labor of love has transformed this American icon into one of the biggest achievers of 2012.
Chevrolet Philippines blazed through the year and recorded a 20% sales growth - 3,328 units up from 2011. Calculating from those figures, we estimate their sales total to be around 19,968 units in 2012 alone, which is nothing short of a miracle. This is how they made it happen.
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Industry Update
24 January 2013
Suzuki confirms permanent closure of old assembly plant in Pasig
Words by Christopher Kho
Back in November 2012, Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH) moved its entire motorcycle assembly operations from its old plant in Pasig City to a new state-of-the-art P1 billion facility in Canlubang, Laguna. They hope to double their production capacity to over 16,000 units a month and keep up with rising demands. Though 300 employees had to be moved down south, we remember SPH telling us that the Sales and Marketing Department for both motorcycle and automobile divisions will remain to hold office in Pasig. They also had plans of using it as a Suzuki technical training center in the near future. Unfortunately, they're now telling us that this won't be so.
SPH announced in an official statement: “Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) Chariman Osamu Suzuki has visited both facilities, and after careful evaluation of the company's total operation, he decided that it would be more beneficial for the company that all departments are housed in the Canlubang head office.”
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Industry Update
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) was able to sell a total of 34,915 vehicles in 2012, which is a remarkable 7% better than their 2011 performance. Better yet, it's their 6th consecutive year of achieving an annual sales growth and secures them 22% of the local market share. And with these big figures, MMPC keeps its position as the country's second-largest automotive brand, next only to Toyota.
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Industry Update
Here in the Philippines, Suzuki sells cars and motorcycles under one giant outfit called Suzuki Philippines Inc. (SPH). But in the company's recent history, never have they put four and two wheels together under one roof... until now. Located at 2929 Bautista St. cor. Finlandia St., San Isidro, Makati City, Suzuki Auto Makati is SPH's first integrated auto-moto dealership in the country, which carries both Suzuki's automobile and big bike lineup.
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Industry Update
