Auto execs got lost in translation – Campi chief

The embattled head of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) scored the chiefs of four Japanese member-companies for misreading the group’s position on the government’s new program for the industry.

In a letter dated March 17, Elizabeth Lee, Campi president, said the group is opposing the New Motor Vehicle Development Program (NMVDP) draft for creating a loophole not found in the existing program contained in Executive Order (EO) 156.

Lee was referring to a provision in the NMVDP that reclassified imported used engines and other components from “prohibited” to “regulated” items.

“If the NMVDP will have the revision of merely regulating the importation of used engine and parts, then it is best we remain at this time, with the current EO 156 which strictly prohibits it,” Lee wrote.

Lee’s March 17 letter was in response to a March 15 letter addressed to her and signed by Honda Philippines president Hiroshi Shimizu, Isuzu Philippines President Keiji Takeda, Mitsubishi Philippines President Masahiko Ueki and Toyota Philippines President Michinobu Sugata.

In their letter, the four Japanese car company executives questioned Campi’s opposition to the NMVDP, and complained that “these matters were never discussed among members” of the organization, and only created “confusion” as to the industry’s stance.

In her response, Lee took exception to their allegations, adding that she was “deeply hurt, offended, disappointed and surprised.”

Lee said Campi’s position had been thoroughly discussed on several occasions by the members of the group’s executive committee, which includes representatives from Honda, Isuzu, Mistubishi and Toyota.

She said any confusion or divisiveness should be blamed on the “creation of another group whose members are also Campi members (except for Ford).”

The Campi president was referring to the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (PACCI), which earlier welcomed news that the NMVDP draft—along with the loophole—had been submitted for the President’s approval.

Besides American carmaker Ford, other members of PACCI are Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and Toyota.

Sought for comment, Lee told The Manila Times that the four Japanese car company executives have yet to respond to her March 17 letter. –Ben Arnold O. De Vera, Manila Times