Vehicle makers post 28% 2010 sales growth

Local auto assemblers capped 2010 with high double-digit growth and accomplishments indicating that the local industry as a whole was moving forward, the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi) said.

Campi president Elizabeth Lee said in a statement that the industry saw a 28 percent sales growth for January to November, with December sales to be finalized in the regular monthly Campi meeting in the coming days.

“For 2011, the industry forecasts an initial four to five percent growth. The growth rate will likewise be adjusted accordingly on a quarterly basis depending on the overall sales performance. Above all, we reiterate member adherence to high standards of integrity and business practice moving forward this year 2011, supporting the President’s strong anti-smuggling stand and adhering to his ‘Matuwid na Daan’ slogan,” Lee said.

“We are expecting 2011 sales to follow the seasonality of industry sales which was not the case in 2010 due to the elections in the early half of that year as well as post-Ondoy effect,” she added.

There has been a growing movement by a significant number of companies committing to ethical business practices and good corporate governance as a way to proactively help government reduce corruption, level the playing field and build integrity in the business environment — part of the Integrity Pledge advocated by the large, influential association, the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), for which all businesses should subscribe to, she noted.

Campi plans to do its share and strongly advocate the same to support job creation and increase investments, Lee said.

“We likewise look forward to 2011 with renewed hope, given government’s direction to expand local assembly operations, create jobs, and create a competitive environment for increased investments into the country,” she added.

The auto industry’s major accomplishments for 2010 include:

* The Campi 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS3) putting the Philippines on the regional map of international auto shows;

* Regional representation and participation in the Asean market integration by 2015 to include harmonization of standards and Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) as well as a close working relationship with the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association Inc. (Jama) and the Asean Automotive Federation (AAF), which impacts the types of vehicles that enter the country to include safety standards, environmental regulation, cost, among others;

* Road safety advocacies as an incorporator and partner of the Philippine global road safety partnership;

* Consultation with government agencies to include BoC-LTO (Bureau of Customs-Land Transportation Office) electronic connectivity, revision of emission regulations with the DENR-EMB (Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau), among others;

* Continued CSR (corporate social responsibility) activities with a donation to Kalayaan National High School of auto parts for the training in automotive skills to equip students for gainful employment in the industry. –Ayen Infante, Daily Tribune