Motoring Today Column

Jan 27, 2021

Automotive companies are putting their best foot forward as they look to maintain the momentum of the last month of the year surge in sales.

That December surge in sales, driven mostly by aggressivepromos, discounts, and freebies, gave the automotive sector reason to be optimistic for a strong rebound in 2021.

Some are touting gains attained in a market shrunk by the lockdowns. Others are even setting ambitious goals for the new year.

Kia Aims For Triple, Double

Seemingly brimming with confidence, Kia Philippines has set the goal of a triple-digit sales increase and a doubling of its market share for 2021.

Kia sold only 2,129 vehicles in 2020 after selling 5019 back in 2019. But it expects it can achieve its twin goals with its triumvirate of top selllers - the Soluto subcompact sedan, the K2500 business and utility truck, and the recently launched Stonic crossover.

It sees the subcompact sedan as the main driver of sales in 2020 like the Soluto, along with light commercial vehicles for business purpose like the K2500, following as a close second.

To achieve its twin goals for 2021, Kia is expanding its network of dealerships to 45 to make its products more accessible to more Filipinos, while boosting the customer experience through parts and service programs.

In a presentation at a recent virtual round-table meeting with motoring media, Kia said it was working with its dealership network to provide a better customer experience with better availability of spare parts increasing inventory five times to include mechanical and collision part.

It has also partnered with DHL to ensure needed parts from Korea and China can be delivered directly to dealers within seven days.

Also something that may be of interest is giving Kia owners the option of using mineral oils to lower cost of ownerships. Using mineral oils-as opposed to synthetics- can can give Kia owners 40 percent in savings.

Kia also promised to roll out at least two new models this year. It did not specify what these models are but indicated they will be part of the Korean marque's move to a new era of brand transformation as signified by a new logo and slogan "Movement that Inspires."

The new logo manifests Kia's new mantra to provide vehicles that are bold, connected and expansive, as well as inspirational.

New Suzuki Heights

Also high stepping into the new year is Suzuki Philippines .

In a press statement, Suzuki boasted of reaching new heights even in a difficult year for the auto industry, selling more than 15,000 units and gaining its biggest market share ever in the country.

With 15,515 units sold last year, Suzuki Philippines ended 2020 with its highest recorded market share of 6.3 percent , it said.

"We in Suzuki Philippines are proud to share this achievement to everyone who supported us and continue to make Suzuki their choice when it comes to automobiles," said SPH Vice President and General Manager for Automobile Division, Keiichi Suzuki.

"The past year is proof that we remain relentless in our goal to give the Filipino people quality driving experience. With the new year upon us, we assure our customers that we will continue to be unwavering in our commitment to provide top-quality products and commendable service as we all thrive this 2021," Suzuki added.

Ford Claims Leadership

Ford Philippines steps into the new year fortified by strong 2020 sales for its pickups and SUVs.

In a press statement, Ford claimed the Ranger became the best-selling 4x4 pickup truck in 2020 with a market share of 41 percent.

It said that 2020 sales for the Ranger 4x4 pickup portfolio totaled 5,093 vehicles, or 52 percent of the total 9,767 Ranger sales in 2020.

This drove Ford's overall market share to 24 percent in the pickup segment, securing Ranger's position as one of the two best-selling pickups in the market last year.

Ford offers 4x4 variants of the Ranger XLS,FX and Wildtrak, as well as the Raptor.

Ford also made a big impact in the SUV market with the launch of theTerritory with 2020 sales reaching 1,925 vehicles, or a 33 percent share in the small SUV segment, in just a 5-month selling period.

The American marque also experienced a fourth quarter surge in sales, with 5,411 units sold in the last three months of the year.

Sales in December grew by 30 percent over November. As happened with other automakers, this is encouraging Ford to bring in more vehicles.

" We thank our customers for their trust to the Ford brand amid a challenging year brought about by the pandemic," said PK Umashankar, managing director, Ford Philippines.

"The continued demand for Ford vehicles in the country further drives us to bring segment-leading vehicles that are relevant to the needs of the Filipino driving public, now and in the future."

Back On Track

Also taking a great step forward into the new year is the Light Rail Transit 2 which is certainly welcome news to commuters.

The Light Rail Transit Authority announced the reopening of three LRT-2 stations at Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas.

Operations at the three stations were suspended following a fire in October of 2019 that severely damaged two of LRT-2's Rectifier Substations.

However, line operations are being resumed with restrictions and limitations, in order to ensure the full restoration and continuing repairs of the RSS, signaling, and telecommunications systems.

Happy Motoring!!!

For comments & inquiries:

(email) sunshine.television@yahoo.com

(website) www.motoringtoday.ph