Amid unprecedented industry growth CAMPI launches 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS)

MANILA, Philippines - In celebration of the Philippine automotive industry’s exponential growth, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), the country’s largest auto industry organization, gathered motoring industry players and members of the media for the launch of the 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) happening on September 18-21 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

On its 5th year, CAMPI takes PIMS into a whole new level as it features the largest convention of motoring manufacturers and distributors in the country. Aside from a high-caliber motor show, the event will also serve as the launch pad for majority of the participating brands to introduce their latest vehicles and cutting-edge technologies including concept engines and hybrid cars. There’s also the iconic car display called “Progress in Motion: The Evolution of Philippine Automotive Industry” which will showcase 12 iconic cars that represent six decades of automotive trends in the country.

“There is no better occasion to celebrate the automotive industry achievements than at the 5th Philippine International Motor Show,” said Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, CAMPI president. “PIMS is set to give the industry another boost as we continue to strengthen our footprint in the ASEAN region,” he added.

With the theme “Progress in Motion,” the country’s most authoritative car show serves as a platform to champion milestones and successes achieved through collaborative efforts from the private sector and the government. The automotive industry reported double-digit growth for three consecutive years. From 11 percent in 2012, industry sales climbed to 16 percent in 2013. In June 2014, the industry achieved the highest monthly sales of more than 19,000 units, up from over 14,000 units sold in the same month last year. For the first six months of 2014, CAMPI members already sold more than 100,000 units representing a staggering 25 percent year-on-year growth.

“CAMPI has grown as an organization. We started 2012 with 11 members.  And with the addition of our newest members—Mazda, Peugeot, and Volkswagen—CAMPI has become even stronger and continues to assert its role as the largest auto industry organization with members that are significant players in both local and global scale,” Gutierrez said.

This progress transcends the automotive industry and has greatly influenced the economy as a whole, as it accounted for 12 percent of the industrial sector output and 4 percent of the total GDP, according to data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB). The Philippine automotive industry has generated more than P120 billion in investments which translated to almost 500,000 jobs for Filipino workers. It contributed to the national budget in terms of annual payment of duties and taxes of over P30 billion and recorded total exports of about US$3.4 billion in 2013. These major contributions are expected to increase this year with a higher forecast of 20 percent growth amounting to projected sales of over 250,000 units, up 9 percent over the original 230,000 units announced in January.

“We at CAMPI put great importance on furthering the country’s economy with the goal of making Philippines a prime automotive production hub in the ASEAN region. In fact, we are working hand in hand with the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) to ensure that we are always at par with the standards of the region,” said Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez, CAMPI Chairman. “With the support of the government and private sectors, I am confident that the Philippine automotive industry will continue to progress,” he added.

CAMPI also gives emphasis to its “Vision 2020,” a goal to reach the 500,000 mark in the next six years prodded by the growing domestic demand for automobiles, the price variance in the Philippines compared to other ASEAN markets as well as the industry’s capacity for exports. The strong domestic market potential is marked by the Philippines’ current population of 100 million with a vehicle ownership ratio of only 35 per 1,000 population—much lower than those of its ASEAN neighbors. The country already reached a GDP per capita of US$2,790 in 2013, higher than the motorization threshold income of US$2,500 which makes the potential growth even more attainable. This vision can only be achieved with the right policy direction and government intervention through the issuance of the much-awaited automotive industry roadmap.

CAMPI invites everyone to support the automotive industry by taking part at the 5th Philippine International Motor Show and witness key industry players come together to help shape and strengthen our nation.

The 16 top automotive brands participating this year include: BAIC, BMW, Daewoo, Honda, Isuzu, JMC, Kia, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen.

For more information, visit the CAMPI website at www.campiauto.org and CAMPI Facebook www.facebook.com/5thPIMS or contact the CAMPI office at (02) 632-9733.