SBMC general manager Ben Perez said that the company, being the first and only exporter of used vehicles inside this freeport zone, is proud to be a major part in the development of the new "Filipino ingenuity" in motor vehicle reconditioning industry that has been lauded and accepted in the global market.
"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 in his message delivered during the sendoff ceremony on board the cargo vessel Merlion Ace docked at the Rivera Pier of the former US Naval Ship Repair Facility compound.
Ironically, the Philippine government has yet to give recognition on trading and re-manufacturing business of second-hand vehicles. It has instead imposed restrictions that led to the closure of several other vehicle importers, here that displaced thousands of workers.
Through its partnership with international vehicle marketing firms Azumaya Tohin Seisakusho,Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan and Apple International Co., Ltd. of Mie, Japan, SBMC is now able to further expand its international market base.
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 Development, Herminigildo Atienza , who was present during the sendoff , stated that he is pleased with the successful shift in business that the SBMC has done.
"We’re happy for SBMC, I believe this is their third sendoff and this is also a clear indication that there is a huge demand for their vehicles, " Atienza said.
He also noted that this also means more job opportunities for the people of Subic, Olongapo and nearby Bataan.
"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 to meet the buyers’ delivery requirements," Azumaya Tohin Seisakusho, Ltd. managing director Komei Toya told The STAR in an interview.
Earlier, SBMC in exploring export businesses penetrated the global market with the shipment of 180 units of used vehicles that were successfully sold 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 Pajero, 50 units Toyota Hi-lux Surf and two units of Toyota Land Cruiser consigned to Carlyn Trading Co., Ltd. of Bangkok, Thailand. Carlyn Trading that distributes both brand new and used vehicles in Asia and neighboring countries.
The new export business of converted vehicles signifies SBMC initial contribution to the total annual export value of Subic Freeport for the expansion of its market and further improvement of the quality of Subic made products and services.