Government programs lauded at car industry forum

MANILA, Philippines - The “2011-12 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards”, Sunshine Television’s (STV) annual nationwide public poll to determine the country’s most popular automobile brands and models, was launched last Thursday, June 23 at the Valle Verde Country Club ballroom in Pasig City in ceremonies attended by leading industry executives and members of motoring media. The poll, which will run from July 1 to September 30, 2011 is now on its 7th year and is presented by Banco de Oro, whose car financing packages are considered among the most innovative and affordable to the motoring public. It will now extend “Model of the Year” awards in 13 distinct categories – a new “Open” category has been introduced – with the much-coveted “Automobile of the Year” honor going to the brand/model that tops all the rest in the voting. Voters who wish to participate can log-on to and register at the poll website at www.autofocus.com.ph on July 1. The public may also obtain and fill-up ballots printed weekly in the Motoring Section of The Philippine STAR during the poll’s 3-month run. These ballots may be submitted at designated Air21/Mail & More outlets and select Caltex service stations nationwide.

The highlight of the launch was the “3rd STV Auto Industry Forum” which sought to form an outlook and prognosis of the local automobile industry and market, and determine what new initiatives the government administration are undertaking and considering to support local car makers and distributors. The forum was moderated by STV Chairman/CEO Ray Butch Gamboa and featured a high-powered panel of speakers consisting of: Atty. Albert Arcilla, Managing Director/COO, The Covenant Car Company (Chevrolet); Daniel Isla, President, Lexus Manila, Inc.; and Mr. Greg Yu, Chairman, CATS Motors, Inc. (Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep). The government was represented by Department of Trade & Industry (DOTC) undersecretary Cristino L. Panlilio, who is also the Managing Head of the Board of Investments (BOI).