CAMPI eyes large chunk of consolidated Asean mart

MANILA, Philippines - The newly-elected officials of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI) hopes to capture a large share of the consolidated Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market which is expected to be implemented in 2015.

Likewise, CAMPI is aiming to make the Philippines an alternative production hub of motor vehicles and auto parts in the region.

CAMPI is optimistic that total demand for brand new vehicles will increase this year because of the improvement in supply and because of improved spending on the part of the government and the private sector.

CAMPI recently elected a new set of officers who will lead the association in its push for a more progressive local automobile industry.

Rommel Gutierrez of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. was voted as CAMPI president, while Dante Santos of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and Valentino de Leon of Nissan Motor Philippines were elected as vice president and treasurer, respectively.

Former president Jose Pepito Alvarez was elected as chairman emeritus.

Gutierrez said the association intends to work closely with the government, particularly the Board of Investments, and other industry associations.

Gutierrez said that the association is expecting to sell 154,000 units this year.

Regular CAMPI members include Asian Carmakers Corp. (BMW), Columbian Autocar Corp. (KIA), Columbian Manufacturing Corp. (Daewoo Buses), Honda Cars Philippines Inc., Isuzu Philippines Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., Nissan Motor Philippines Inc., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., Universal Motor Corp. (Nissan light commercial vehicles).

Associate members include CATS Motors (Mercedes Benz & Chrysler), PGA Cars Inc. (Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini) and Suzuki Motor Philippines.