5th PIMS highlights Phl auto industry gains, ambitions

MANILA, Philippines - For the Philippine automotive industry, there is much reason to rejoice. “We take pride in the continuous growth of the Philippine automotive industry, with its double-digit growth for the past two years,” declared Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines president Rommel Gutierrez.

Speaking recently at the opening of the 5th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Gutierrez revealed that, collectively, automobile sales in the Philippines registered 212,414 units in 2013—the first time the 200,000 mark has been breached.

Obviously buoyed by the feat, Gutierrez said that CAMPI “plans to maintain the momentum” through “quality vehicles that suit lifestyles, (along with) competitive offers, premium after-sales support, and cutting-edge technologies.” CAMPI’s upward trajectory is operationalized by a vision to sell 500,000 units in 2020.

“CAMPI is one with the government and the Filipino motorists in empowering the Philippines towards greater mobility,” Gutierrez continued.

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, guest of honor at the event’s kickoff, echoed the sentiment. The Senate Committee Chair on Trade, Industry, and Entrepreneurship lauded the societal good that the auto industry provides—expressed in a myriad of ways.

For starters, he revealed that the sector yearly remits some P30 billion pesos in taxes to augment national coffers. Aquino also cited that 60,000 workers are directly employed by automobile companies—plus about half a million more in indirect or support industries. The auto industry share in the country’s manufacturing sector is considerable (12 percent), and accounts for four percent of GDP. All told, a significant P120 billion has already been invested in the Philippines by industry players.

The Aquino administration is keenly aware of the sector’s contribution, and shares its vision. “This is the main thrust of the government… to create an environment where we have more jobs for Filipinos and more support for our entrepreneurs,” insisted the senator.

The number of participating brands (which does not include all marques available in the country) in the PIMS is indicative of the robustness of the sector. Represented were BAIC, BMW, Daewoo, Honda, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Jeep.

Still, Sen. Aquino stressed the “need to have a longer road map for (the) auto industry, connected to infrastructure plans and others” in the face of the impending ASEAN economic integration next year—also known as the ASEAN Economic Community or AEC. The AEC is a blueprint for common growth among member-countries that would see “a single market and production base, a highly competitive economic region, a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy,” as explained in detail on www.asean.org.

And while increased vehicle sales suggest a growing middle class, Aquino said we cannot ignore the challenges attendant to any burgeoning economy, such as our infamous traffic situation and environmental concerns.

Nonetheless, he remains hopeful. “All of these threats must also be seen as opportunities… I’m sure that our Philippine auto industry can be a driver of this movement,” Sen. Aquino averred.

The senator is known for being main sponsor of the so-called Lemon Law—signed into effect by President Noynoy Aquino last July—which protects car owners against defective vehicles.

“When I went around the country talking about the Lemon Law, people were sure that the industry was against the law,” narrated Aquino. “I was the first to correct them and say no. The Philippine Lemon Law was made in partnership with the industry, and in fact, CAMPI was one of our main supporters.”

Aside from the motoring displays within the World Trade Center’s event hall, PIMS paid tribute to 12 “iconic vehicles” in the Philippines’ motoring past—examples of which were on display at the lobby area. From the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz Ponton made a reappearance, joined by the likes of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle (1960s), Toyota Land Cruiser (1970s), Peugeot 205GT (1980s), and BMW 3 Series (1990s).

For the first time, PIMS showcased an after-sales exhibit in a separate but attached wing at the venue. Vendors offered vehicle upgrades, repair services, and quality parts for old and new vehicle models.

Additionally, CAMPI made its advocacies towards road safety, environmental protection, and consumer rights known to more through automotive seminars and workshops.  Topics included “fuel-saving tips, anti-carjack measures, and (a) fool-proof guide for vehicle registration and driver’s license application.” Another track of seminars highlighted the technologies that “define the future of the automotive industry… such as the hybrid and electric vehicles, development in lubricants, and (the) speed limiter.”

As usual, the motor show was also a chance for members of various car clubs to meet up, while giving the general public a chance to admire customized vehicles. Kids of all ages joined the fun through games and pedal go-karts, an automotive-themed treasure hunt, and a display of scale models. Meanwhile, a photo exhibit by auto designers afforded a rare opportunity for attendees to know the “geniuses behind some of the automotive industry’s best designs.”

Perhaps most importantly, the PIMS remains an important showcase for the participating auto brands—a valuable stage upon which to show the latest models and news. Car shoppers and auto enthusiasts also got to test drive the most number of vehicle types under one roof.

All told, the well-attended 5th PIMS, themed “Progress in Motion,” was another tangible testament that all is well with our dreams of mobility for more.