A-Class model expected to boost Mercedes Benz sale

MANILA, Philippines - CATS Motors Inc., the distributor of luxury vehicle brand Mercedes Benz, is optimistic it can beat last year’s sales with the introduction of the A-Class model which is intended to draw younger Filipino customers.

“We are confident that we will exceed last year’s numbers with the new A-Class,” Robert Shaw, CATS Motors vice president for sales and planning told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of the A250 Sports.

Shaw said the A-Class design is youthful and dynamic.  

“As soon as you see the A-Class, the first thing that will strike you is the design...The design is very youthful, very dynamic,” he said.

CATS Motors sold a total of 801 units in 2012, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines said.

CATS Motors is optimistic the A-Class will allow the firm to achieve higher sales this year as it has already received orders for the A250 Sport variant.

Shaw declined to say how many orders the firm has received for the A250, but noted that the numbers are encouraging.

The four cylinder A250 compact car selling at P2.580 million is the lowest priced model in the Mercedes Benz lineup.

The A250 is part of the luxury vehicle brand’s new generation compact car program, intended for the younger generation or those in the 25 to 35 age group.

“We feel there is growing younger segment that we need to address. For some time we have not been addressing this group,” Shaw said.

“Now, we are offering something for them,” he added.

He said the firm likewise expects higher sales this year given the country’s strong economic growth.

“The boom in the economy directly translates to purchases of luxury items whether it be cars, watches, handbags...We’re very happy about the growth in the economy right now,” he said.

“And as the economy is growing, more options are being made available for consumers who want to purchase a car,” Shaw added.

Unlike in the past when consumers had to pay in cash to get a car, financing schemes and lease contracts are now available.

CATS Motors started its operations as distributor of Mercedes Benz vehicles in 2005.

Its dealerships are located in Alabang Zapote Road in Muntinlupa City, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City and Greenhills in San Juan City.