Segway local distributor expects to double sales next year

MANILA, Philippines - Simply Moving Philippines Inc. (Segway Philippines), the distributor  of the eco-friendly personal transporters in the country, aims to  double its sales to 200 units next year from 100 units this year, as  it partners with the government and private firms to strengthen  promotions and marketing efforts on the benefits of using electric  vehicles.   

Segway Philippines president and chief executive officer Wilson Lei  said in a press conference yesterday the firm seeks to double  sales by next year after selling 200 units since it introduced  the Segway Personal Transporter in the local market in 2011.   

“We are aiming for higher sales as we are already promoting and  working on increasing awareness on the products,” he said.   

The Segway units which run on lithium ion batteries, could be used  indoors or on the sidewalk, after six hours of charging.   

The I2 variant, which is designed for easy operation over normal  terrain, runs up to a distance of 38 kilometers (km) on one full  charge and is priced at P380,000.   

The X2 variant, which is ideal for varied terrain and runs up to 19  km on one full charge, is available at P450,000.   

The personal transporters, which are imported as semi-knocked down  units from the US, are assembled in the firm’s facility in  Subic.   

“The Segway units are so environment-friendly since it does not use  gasoline or oil, so therefore no smoke emission.

These personal  transporters can be operated indoor and outdoor in which you will be  able to conserve energy and help to reduce pollution as you transport  from one place to another in (a) simple way,” Lei said.   

To achieve higher sales, Segway Philippines has partnered with the  Department of Tourism  for the use of the personal transporter in  tours in the city of Manila.   

“As you create a tour in a location using the personal transporter,  that will help create sales,” Segway Philippines chief operating  officer George Apacible said in the same event.   

He said the firm is even looking at working with other government agencies.   

He also said the firm has tied up with Enchanted Kingdom to introduce  a new attraction in the theme park which would feature the Segway  Personal Transporter next month.   

While the promotion efforts are seen to translate to sales for  personal use, the firm also expects higher sales to be supported by  demand from tourism establishments such as resorts and golf courses as  the Segway Personal Transporter could be used to tour guests.   

Lei said sales are also seen to come from other business  establishments as many companies have already integrated the personal  transporter in their operations.    

The use of the personal transporter, he said, has helped improve  productivity of employees.   

He cited that San Miguel Corp. uses the personal transporter in its  warehousing and logistics operations, while Ayala Land Inc. uses the  units for its patrol and security operations.