Automakers eye full recovery

MANILA, Philippines - The local auto industry is looking at a full recovery this year after slowing down in 2011, with sales seen to grow 8.74 percent this year.

Sales in the auto industry are expected to recover from the supply problems it encountered last year as industries from Japan have recovered from the devastating earthquake and tsunami while Thailand has started to clean up after the massive flooding late last year.

Newly installed Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc (CAMPI) president Rommel T. Gutierrez said they are looking at selling 154,000 units this year.

For 2011, the industry sold 141,616 units which was four percent lower than the 147,488 units sold in 2010. This was a direct result of the supply shortage caused by the disasters in Japan and Thailand last year.

Meanwhile, a CAMPI official said they are not expecting any supply problems this year and that recovery is imminent, pointing out that the steady supply of automobiles and parts is expected to come in during the second quarter this year.

The source said first quarter sales may be a bit slow but it is expected to recover in the second quarter.

For this year, demand will still be heavy for Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) as it remains the vehicle of choice of overseas Filipino workers. Likewise, more fuel efficient vehicles will also be in demand given the unstable fuel prices.

Meanwhile, CAMPI elected its new set of officers for 2012. Aside from Gutierrez, Dante Santos of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. was elected vice president, while treasurer was Nissan Motor Philippines Corp.’s Val Deleon. Jose Alvarez will assume the position of chairman of the board.

CAMPI said it hopes to strengthen the advocacy of sustaining local production of vehicles in the Philippines. “CAMPI members are united in supporting an industry roadmap aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of vehicles and parts and components manufacturing in the country.” Gutierrez said.

CAMPI will work hand-in-hand with Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (PACCI) in tapping the potential of the automotive industry for growth in domestic production base that can lead to sustainable export operation.

With a united voice, the automotive manufacturing industry associations will have stronger collaboration with the government in crafting relevant policy and in legislating a more stable and consistent industry rules and regulations.