Automotive importers and distributors are still bullish on their 2011 sales, saying their supply chain has remained intact amid disruptions encountered by the rest of the industry.
The Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors said their supply chains had enabled them to meet increasing demand from consumers.
Most members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. have scheduled factory shutdowns because of supply disruptions following the magnitude 9 earthquake in Japan.
“Avid members import completely built units [CBUs] and replacement parts from Europe, China, Korea, India and the United States,” said Maria Fe Perez Agudo, Avid president, in an e-mailed statement to the Manila Standard Wednesday.
“Utilizing global supply platforms, Avid members’ operations will continue to be supported by robust supply chains to sustainably offer quality products, respond to consumer demands and deliver its commitment to its valued customers,” she said.
“With an April year-to-date growth of 5 percent versus 2010, Avid sales forecast for 2011 remains bullish on the back of solid macroeconomic fundamentals supported by a stable investment climate and optimistic consumer behavior.
Most car companies in the country had reduced by half their production volume in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan that affected parts and components suppliers in the region.
Most car companies in the country are importing their parts and components from Japan for local assembly. Some of those that announced reduction in volume production in April were Toyota, Honda and Ford. Ford resumed its normal operations on May 9 while Toyota announced last week the resumption of its normal two-shift operations in June.
Honda, meanwhile, had been implementing a “yellow flag” status, or an alert mode, in all its dealerships nationwide until vehicle supply situation normalizes.
Avid is composed of nine members, including Hyundai Automotive Resources Inc., the exclusive distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines; The Covenant Car Co., which distributes GM/Chevrolet; CATS Motors for Mercedes Benz; and Scandinavian Motors for Audi.
Other members are British United Automobiles Inc., Focus Ventures Inc., Foton Motor Philippines, Jaguar Cars Inc. and PGA Cars Inc. –Julito G. Rada, Manila Standard Today
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