Berjaya aims to make Mazda among top 5 in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc., the new local distributor of Mazda vehicles and parts, aims to make the brand among the top five in the country in the long-term, starting with beating last year’s sales this year.

In a press conference yesterday, Berjaya Auto chief executive officer Steven Tan said the firm, which formally started operations as new distributor, intends to make Mazda part of the top five automobile brands in the country in the long term.

“We think being on the top five is a reasonable ambition,” he said.

In line with this aim, the firm likewise aiming for higher sales this year.

Tan said last year’s sales are estimated to be below 2,000 units.

“Absolutely, (sales) this year will be better than last year, “ he said.

He said the company is optimistic it can beat last year’s sales given tbe country’s strong economic performance.

To promote the brand, the firm is opening five new dealerships this year.

“We are opening one tomorrow in C5,” he said.

At present, there are nine Mazda dealers across the country.

Mazda vehicles sold in the Philippines are the Mazda 2, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, CX-5, CX-9, MX-5 and BT-50.

These vehicles are being imported from Japan and Thailand.

Berjaya Auto and Mazda Motor signed a distribution agreement of Mazda vehicles for the Philippine market in September.

Berjaya Auto acquired the rights to distribute Mazda vehicles in the country from Ford Group Philippines.