Jap automaker targets to sell 6T units in Phl

CEBU, Philippines - Suzuki Philippines targets to sell 6,000 units of cars nationwide this year following its upbeat sales of 5,000 cars last year.

Suzuki Philippines President Hiroshi Suzuki said they have seen great potential in the Visayas market especially Cebu which has been the company’s top provincial dealer in the country in the past years.

The country’s car sales have been experiencing a year-on-year growth, Brian L. Chua, group president of Autocentral Group also emphasized that Cebu alone has actually a growing car market.

“So we feel quite very positive this year. Cebu enjoys good security and good economic conditions.”

He described the Cebu car market as “mature” in a way because car firms can now cater to all types of auto buyers -- from entry level, premium to luxury.

He noted that Cebu’s growing economy implies that people have more disposable income for investment choices such as a car -- aside from house.

A proliferation of car shops particularly in Mandaue City can obviously be observed, leading to a more tight competition in the industry.

But the Autocentral official explained there’s nothing more important than improving customer service and the management team of a company to keep up with the competition.

“(That) should be the primary focus, I know it gets overused. We talk to them (customers) as much as possible and we get to know them more,” he further added.

Meanwhile, Suzuki North Cebu Dealership which is operated by Cebu Autocentral Corp. (part of the Autocentral Group) recently opened in Mandaue City.

With the consistent evolution of auto industry in terms of technology, it may be hard to predict for now as to what will eventually put back fossil fuel powered cars in the future, an industry player said.  

“The trend now, it’s really hard to say which particular technology will be able to replace these cars (powered by fossil fuels),” said

Though what is certain now is that the Philippine car industry is very advanced in terms of technological advancements such as the development of hybrid electric cars and hydrogen powered cars, Chua noted in an interview. 

But these types of cars have not gone mainstream yet as fuel powered cars which extensively contribute to air pollution still dominate the roads.

At present, most car companies produce fuel motorized vehicles, however Chua said some of them have been researching about the possibility of manufacturing electric cars which are far more good to the environment.

“With the advent of technology I wouldn’t be surprised if they have been searching on hybrid systems for cars,” he added.

Autocentral also operates Suzuki, Ford, Subaru, Mini and JMC dealerships in Visayas and Mindanao. (FREEMAN)