Subic Bay Motors Corp. (SBMC) yesterday re-exported 130 units of reconditioned sports utility vehicles (SUV) to Dubai and South Africa.
In partnership with Apple International Co., Ltd. of Mie, Japan, and Azumaya Tohin Seisakusho, Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, SBMC set to is expand its international market base.
SBMC general manager Ben Perez said that the company, being the first and only exporter of used vehicles, is proud to be a major part in the development of the "Filipino ingenuity" in motor vehicle reconditioning.
"We should all be proud of this new-found Filipino craftsmanship that has been duly certified by recipient countries as highly dependable, environment friendly and road worthy," Perez said during the send-off ceremony on-board cargo-vessel Merlion Ace docked at the former US Naval Ship Repair Facility compound.
The government does not recognize the trading and re-manufacturing of second-hand vehicles.
Of the 130 units, 50 reconditioned SUVs, which were sold to Trust Company Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan, will be shipped to Durban, South Africa while the remaining 80 units will be shipped to Al Moin Motors in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Deputy Administrator for Business, Herminigildo Atienza, who was present during the send off, was pleased with the successful shift in business of SBMC.
"We’re happy for SBMC, I believe this is their third send-off and this is also a clear indication that there is a huge demand for their vehicles," Atienza said.
Atienza noted that this would mean more job opportunities for the people of Subic, Olongapo and nearby Bataan.
Komei Toya, managing director of SBMC’s marketing partner Azumaya Tohin Seisakusho, admitted that "we are in the final negotiation stage with buyers from Africa and Middle East to supply, on a monthly basis, around 300 used left-hand drive passenger cars."
This project would employ 500 to 700 highly skilled workers and technicians, Komei said.
Earlier, SBMC had been able to export, on an exploratory basis, 180 units of used vehicles to Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam through its partner and sole distributor, Carlyn Trading of Thailand.
The initial shipment for export includes 129 units of Mitsubishi Pajeros, 50 units of Toyota Hi-lux Surf and two units of Toyota Land Cruisers consigned to Carlyn Trading Co., Ltd. of Bangkok, Thailand.
Carlyn Trading is the trading partner of Apple International Co. which distributes both brand new and used vehicles in Asia and neighboring countries.
All the vehicles have undergone extensive conversion process wherein the steering wheels and other mechanical peripheral parts were converted from right-hand to left-hand drive.
The conversion method is new and distinct and has been perfected by Filipino expert-mechanics.
"We will do our best to sell more in the near future through the concerted efforts of our Japanese partners and marketing team in other countries," Perez said, as he also lauded the administration of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for its continued support and cooperation.
Perez assured that SBMC would continue its business and cooperate with SBMA to prevent dislocation of its workers. The company also vowed to help stop illegal activities in the Freeport particularly smuggling.
Last December 2004, in its maiden shipment for export, SBMC exported 20 sports utility vehicles and pick-up trucks to Sudan in Africa.
This was followed by another shipment of 18 units of second-hand vehicles to the United Arab Emirates.
At present, a total of 300 units are being reconditioned for export and about 1,000 units more are also for export in the coming months.
All vehicles will be shipped out of the Subic Freeport after completing local value added activities like steering conversion, mechanical repairs, tinsmith and repainting.