(Lexus Manila Inc. vice chairman Alfred V. Ty welcomes the guests during the Lexus Anniversary Dinner in Makati Shangri-La last January 14, 2010.)
Lexus Manila, Inc. marks its first year of doing business in the Philippine luxury automotive scene this month. Since its brand debut in January 2009, it did not take long for Lexus Manila to make good on Lexus global reputation for production quality and customer satisfaction.
During its first year, Lexus Manila has responded to market trends by offering its customer a fresh option of luxury car line-up. With the opening of its world-class showroom at the heart of Fort Bonifacio Global City last year, Lexus also launched its initial line-up composed of the flagship sedan LS460, ES350, GS460, IS300, and full-size SUV LX570. This was immediately followed by the March introduction of the global best-selling Lexus cross over SUV RX350, and the sporty convertible IS300c in September. By year end, 172 satisfied Lexus customers can attest to the understated elegance of its products and the warm hospitality of its associates. Lexus garnered 13 percent share of the market, quickly climbing to the fourth position.
As a way of showing appreciation to its clients, Lexus Manila celebrated its first anniversary by holding an intimate Lexus Owners Night last January 14 at Makati Shangri-La Plaza. Customers, composed of experts in various fields and leaders of different companies, were treated to an encouraging 2010 Economic Briefing by Dr. Ramon M. Quesada, Executive Director of the Business Economic Club. The program ended with helpful Feng Shui insights from certified expert Ms. Marites Allen, also the President and CEO of World Feng Shui (WOFS) Philippines. Wittingly hosted by TV personality David Celdran and serenaded by the wonderful music of saxophonist Rex Galvez, over 60 guests truly felt exclusively at home with Lexus Manila.
Following the success of the global Lexus Brand for over 2 decades, Lexus Manila has had an amazing ride and great success during its first year in the Philippines. “2010 poses a lot of opportunity for growth, change and hope. ” expressed Danny Isla, Lexus Manila, Inc. President.
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Toyota Motor Philippines posts a new record in 2009 with year-end sales of over 46,000 units, the highest the company has ever sold in its 21-year history in the local market. Furthermore, Toyota once again achieved its 8th consecutive triple crown by also being the leader in both passenger cars and commercial vehicles segments. As a way of thanking its customers for these momentous achievements, Toyota launches the GREAT UPGREATS Raffle Promo and extends its SAVINGS SPREE Promo this January.
According to the report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), combined Toyota and Lexus sales reached 4,900 units for the month of December alone, the highest monthly sales for the year. This gives them a total of 46,193 units sold for the year, capturing 34.9% of the market. “This is a good conclusion for 2009 for us. We have recently surpassed our 600,000-unit cumulative sales mark in mid December, and our dealer network’s consistent strong performance pushed another milestone, setting a new sales record of over 46,000 units,” expressed Yuji Goto, Executive Vice President. “As the leader in the local automotive industry, we are also happy that we remain consistent in achieving the Triple Crown, now for the 8th consecutive year. Despite numerous challenges the past year, including the global economic crisis, a couple of devastating calamities, and aggressive competitor efforts, we were still able to achieve these milestones,” Goto added. Toyota dominated both passenger cars with 17,237 units and commercial vehicles with 28,956 units for the year. This includes 11,990 units of Vios and 10,328 units of Innova, two of the country’s best-selling vehicles.
Toyota sees 2010 as a growth year. “We forecast that the market will further grow if the positive trend continues. As far as Toyota is concerned, we will target to break another record next year and hopefully surpass this year’s sales,” added Goto. TMP earlier announced the introduction of new models starting with, Innova Sport Runner in January. Aside from new product, TMP plans to continue aggressive efforts prioritizing its locally-manufactured vehicles Vios and Innova, and promote affordability of their products with various financing schemes through their financial arm, Toyota Financial Services (TFS).
And as a way of showing gratitude to customers for once again making them Number One, Toyota launches the GREAT UPGREATS Raffle Promo to jumpstart the year. For sedan lovers, customers of Vios gets the chance to win an Altis 1.6G A/T, while Corolla Altis customers have the chance to win a Camry 2.4G A/T. For those interested in bigger vehicles, Innova buyers can be the lucky winner of a Fortuner 4X2 Gas A/T while those who buy a Fortuner may be upgraded to a Previa 2.4Q Gas A/T. Customers of participating models with purchases made from January to February 28, 2010 are eligible to join.
Aside from the raffle, Toyota’s SAVINGS SPREE will also be extended for the Vios and Innova. Customers can choose from any of the three schemes. PAY LOW scheme through TFS lease-to-own plan offers a low cash-out and an all-in package including free one year comprehensive insurance, three year LTO registration, and no chattel mortgage. PAY LIGHT scheme offers low monthly plans with zero percent interest up to 12 months for select variants. PAY CASH scheme offers as much as P30,000 savings for cash buyers. The Toyota Savings Spree Promo runs until January 31, 2010..
“This is our way of expressing our gratitude to the loyal Toyota customers who have helped us become number one in 2009. By making our vehicles more affordable, we hope to offer a better and more prosperous new year to all,” concluded Goto.
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Taking off from De La Salle University, SIKAT, the Philippines’ second solar car tours the Philippines, in a historic inaugural run. Its predecessor, SINAG, also the product of De La Salle University’s partnership with the Philippine Solar Car Society, competed with top honors in the World Solar Challenge in Darwin, Australia in 2007. From DLSU, SIKAT will make a stop at key universities and schools in the Philippines. On the tour schedule for January are the Technological University of the Philippines, Makati Science High School, Quezon City Science High School, Mapua Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Davao, University of Mindanao, and Mindanao State University. The tour stops will include activities that will allow the public to get to know SIKAT and the solar car project more intimately.
In a statement, Dean Pag-Asa Gaspillo of DLSU said that SIKAT is sleeker, faster and lighter than SINAG, an improvement that clearly demonstrates the increasing capability of the Philippines to lead in solar technology.
In February, the solar wonder is set to complete its route across the Philippines, stopping at universities in Cebu, Bacolod, and Iloilo City in the Visayas, as well as Batangas, Angeles City, San Fernando and Laoag in Luzon. During weekends of the tour, SIKAT will be on public display at various SM Malls across the country.
“As SIKAT highlights our ingenuity, our will to lead, our capability for technology, and our commitment to the use of clean, renewable energy, SIKAT also will be a source of great pride for the Philippines,” said Ramon Agustines, Motolite CEO and PSCS Chair, about the group’s initiatives.
After the tour, SIKAT will prepare to compete in 2011’s World Solar Challenge.
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Toyota Motor Philippines sets the stage for the new Year 2010 as they introduce a tougher version of the country’s best-selling commercial vehicle, the Innova Sport Runner. All the passenger car-like comfort offered by the Toyota Innova is packed inside this new variant, with an improved sportier exterior. The Innova SR features new overfenders, side skirts, rear spoiler, front fog lamp design similar to the G variant, 15” alloy wheels in a wider 225 / 55 R15 tires and Sport Runner badge. The Innova SR comes in black and bronze exterior colors. It will be available in 2.5-liter diesel manual and automatic transmissions at Php 999,000 and Php 1,064,000 respectively. “The Sport Runner is a fresh addition to the Innova line-up. While the Innova has been consistently performing very well since its 2005 introduction, averaging 900 units per month in sales, we understand that there are customers who are also looking for a tougher or sportier look that will compliment the Innova’s driving performance and riding comfort. We are confident that this new variant will further solidify the Innova’s position as the best-selling MPV, and will contribute to TMP’s overall sales leadership,” surmised Raymond Rodriguez, First Vice President for Vehicle Sales. The Innova Sport Runner will be available in any of Toyota 27 outlets nationwide this month.
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Two years after hitting the half million units sold mark, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has once again reached another milestone last December 7, 2009 with cumulative sales of 600,000 units since the start of its operations in 1988. TMP is the first car manufacturer in the Philippine automotive industry to bag this achievement.
For 21 years of being in the industry, TMP remained consistently focused on catering to diverse needs of Filipino consumers. It offers an extensive model line-up of fourteen vehicles distributed to 27 dealer outlets nationwide. By maintaining its strong commitment in providing high quality products and excellent services to its customers, TMP has made its way to being the market leader for eighteen years. TMP is also proud to reveal that despite the economic slowdown in 2009, it has garnered year-to-date sales of 46,193 units as of December 2009.
“While this remarkable feat is made possible by cooperative efforts of the entire Toyota network, we are most grateful to the 600,000 Toyota customers for their trust and loyalty for the brand. We will continue our pursuit of improving our processes to deliver the best for our customers.” expressed Mr. Raymond Rodriquez, TMP’s First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations.
As TMP strives to retain its leadership in the market, it also takes up initiatives to unfailingly fulfill its social responsibilities. TMP continuously adheres to its commitment to local production with the Vios and Innova, which are currently the country’s top 2 best-selling vehicles with combined average monthly sales of 1,800 units. By introducing the Hydrid Technology of Prius in the Philippine market, it stands at the forefront of promoting the technology and the environment. TMP also embarks on various socio-economic programs through its socio-humanitarian arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (TMPF).
The 600K unit sales milestone is a testament of Toyota’s favorable position in the market owing to the respect and confidence of customers in the brand. This drives Toyota to keep moving forward in developing innovative technologies not only to address the changing needs of customers but also to further contribute to the development of the Philippine automotive industry.
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Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. seals another sales record with the City. Marking its first year anniversary in the market, the third generation City changes the rules on how subcompacts should be like and manages to post a total of 8,882 unit sales in 2009. This is the City’s highest annual sales ever chronicled since the model was introduced in the local market back in 1996. The highest recorded sales then were 5,478 units which was posted in 1997. This only evidences greater customer appreciation of Honda’s latest subcompact sedan.
In celebration of this remarkable feat, Honda brings the City to yet another level of refinement as it introduces a new exciting color to its line-up. Hailed as the time’s new black, the City now comes in Taffeta white for its top of the line variant, City 1.5 E. Exuding youthful, refreshing, sporty and stylish appeal, Taffeta White City spices up an already sensational package that has created new standards in its class.
“We are more than delighted with the news that the latest City has created new sales record on its first year anniversary. We are very grateful for the market’s unrelenting patronage that makes such achievement possible. Driven to constantly provide new values in our products and services, we hope that the addition of Taffeta White in City’s color selection will further stir up the interest of the discerning market.” said Mr. Hiroshi Shimizu, President and General Manager of Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.
More than the usual subcompact sedan, the City’s overall value-for-money proposition changes the rules in its class, both in style and in performance. The City neatly merges modernism with practicality with its sophisticated and class-leading features that used to be reserved for luxury vehicles.
Just like any other Honda models, the City is equipped with an i-VTEC engine and conforms with EURO 4 emission levels that translate to lesser deposit of harmful emission. The City delivers maximum power output of 120 ps at 6600 rpm and 100 ps at 6000 rpm for 1.5 liter and 1.3 liter variants, respectively. To further enhance fuel efficiency, it comes with a class-leading 5-speed automatic transmission which also contributes to reduction of engine stress. Delightful and easy tracking of one’s fuel consumption is also made possible with the fuel economy and range indicators available in the liquid crystal display of the instrument panel.
Visit any of Honda’s 26 dealerships nationwide and check out the 1.5 City gleaming in its latest color Taffeta White. Other exciting colors available for the Honda City include Polished Metal, Crystal Black, Habanero Red, Bold Beige and Alabaster Silver. The Honda City comes in four variants with the following prices:
1.3-liter A MT Php 686,000
1.3-liter S MT Php 726,000
1.3-liter S AT Php 766,000
1.5-liter E AT Php 816,000
For more details, visit www.citychangetherules.com and www.hondaphil.com.
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FGP sales in December increases 58% year over year
MANILA – January 7, 2010 – Ford Group Philippines (FGP) closed 2009 with an all time highest sales performance of 1,071 vehicles in the month of December since start of its operations in the Philippines, surpassing a thousand vehicle sales milestone in a single month for the first time at the back of a freshened product lineup coupled with strong sales effort by its dealer network.
The 58% increase in retail sales reflected in the last month of the year (versus the same period in 2008) was powered by the strong performance of the Ford Everest, Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Ford Ranger, Mazda 3, and newly launched Mazda CX-7.
Ford brand improved its sales performance over previous year same month by 49%, chalking up 805 vehicle sales, making the month of December its best ever single month sales. The Mazda brand increased its sales by a stunning 93% over same month previous year with 266 vehicle sales.
FGP final quarter 2009 sales performance had been equally strong with 38% increase over same quarter previous year, selling 2,703 vehicles last quarter 2009 versus 1,962 vehicles for the same period 2008.
Ford reaches new heights.
Sales of Ford vehicles likewise surpassed a record previously set in 2004 for full year sales. In 2009, a total of 6,142 Ford vehicles were sold, compared to 5,730 units in 2008 (a 7% increase YOY). Driving the increase was Ford's spectacular performance in the month of December where sales for Ford vehicles registered a 34% increase over prior month with 805 units sold (vs. 601 in November), reflecting a 49% sales boost over December 2008.
Ford Everest posted two monthly sales records in the same year. Everest sales in June (324 units) marked FGP’s highest single month sale for any nameplate since the Company started local operations over a decade ago (reflecting an 80% increase over June 2008), a record which it surpassed in December 2009. December sales of Ford Everest reached 336 units, a 47% increase over previous month.
Like the Everest, the Ford Ranger posted record monthly sales in December 2009, closing the year with its highest fiscal year sales ever. December retail sales of the Ford Ranger totaled to 173 units, with full year sales amounting to 1,255 units.
"Our completely refreshed Ford product line-up at showrooms has defied expectations throughout 2009 with the Ford Everest, Escape and Ranger leading the way and driving tremendous growth for the brand and our dealers,” explained FGP President Rick Baker. “Our performance reflects that our Filipino customers continue to appreciate Ford's efforts to produce vehicles they want and value."
Mazda Zoom-Zooms in 2009
Not to be outdone, Mazda likewise posted its 2nd highest fiscal year sales with a 1.2% increase in total sales versus 2008, with December's 266 vehicle sales as its highest monthly sales since July 2005 - a 17% lift from previous month and a 93% surge over December 2008.
Full year sales for Mazda Philippines totaled to 2,042 units (vs. 2,017 units in 2008). Sales performance was powered by the Mazda3 which ‘zoom-zoomed’ to an amazing 61% increase over November (192 vs. 119 units) and the newly launched sold-out Mazda CX-7 Crossover SUV which achieved 142 unit sales in the last two months of the year.
"The Mazda brand is really on a roll last year,” explained Steven Tan, Vice President for Marketing and Sales. “Our dealers were very excited with the launch of the 2010 Mazda CX-9 and all-new Mazda CX-7 last November. The new imported 5DR Mazda 2 just rolled into the showroom this month with public launch planned in the first quarter of this year. Mazda plans to Zoom-Zoom through 2010!"
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