FROM last week’s Magnificent 7 to this week’s Divine 10—that’s what I have for you today. If you think you’ve had your share of expert opinions from the so-called industry captains the last time out, think again. For, there’s more incisive insight coming your way in the year of the Earth Pig from the latest batch of automotive oracles. Here:
JOSE “JING” ATIENZA, Toyota Senior Vice President of Marketing Division
“AFTER the anticipated slowdown in 2018, we see signs of market recovery in 2019. The stable demand coupled with expected further improvements in the overall economic situation will drive a moderate market growth this year.”
GREG YU, Mercedes Benz mogul
“I am cautiously optimistic about 2019. We have quite a number of facelifts and new models that will be introduced, which should generate a lot of interest. We hope world and economic events will stabilize.”
SPENCER YU, president of SMC-BMW PHL
“2019 is looking to be an exciting year filled with opportunities for the Philippine automotive industry. It will be even more thrilling for BMW, as we will be having quite a number of new model introductions for both cars and BMW Motorrad as early as the first quarter. We expect business to pick up and grow steadily throughout the year.”
RENE SO, Toyota dealer in Dagupan, San Fernando (La Union), Baguio and Laoag
“I think 2019 will be better than year 2018 as there will be more consumer spending due to the midterm elections. And since business volume will increase on virtually all fronts, the car industry will follow suit.”
ATTY. ROMMEL GUTIERREZ, President of CAMPI
“YES, 2019 will be a better year for the auto industry. We are optimistic sales will continue to grow. With continued government support, our common objectives under the CARS program will be achievable.”
ATTY. ALBERT ARCILLA, President/CEO of The Covenant Car Company Inc.
“WE will continue to see the overall market performing much the same as last year in the first quarter but with a little improvement by the second semester. I expect though that the growth will be more pronounced in the pickup, SUV and AUV segments and the regional areas will spur the growth. We are also expecting major promos and financing packages to bring back the excitement in the industry. Introduction of new models and reintroduction of new brands will further enhance the appetite of the market.”
GEORGE BLAYLOCK, Top gun of Diamond Motors
“FLAT tingin ko sa PC (passenger cars). If there should be growth, only because of new models…Light commercial vehicles will grow though because of improved business prospects and the jeepney modernization…Medium and Heavy trucks will also grow because of the 15-year phase out scheme…Interest rates will also play a major role.”
ROMMEL SYTIN, president of Foton
“COMING from a difficult year, 2019 will be better. Government projects are expected to go full swing this year and it will boost private demand for all types of vehicles. As the government focuses on developing emerging cities with better infrastructure, vehicles are needed to move people and goods.”
CESAR LEE, President of Toyota Alabang Inc.
“SA dami Sir ng problema dito sa atin—politics, currency, inflation, unemployment, super traffic, unstable fuel prices and then you also have the trade war between the U.S. and China—struggling tayo. Pero tingin ko, baka gumanda ng konti sa bandang second quarter. Salamat po at ingat Sir.”
RAYMOND T. RODRIGUEZ, President of Lexus PHL
“2018 was a challenging year for us. Sales was down significantly due to the forward purchases made by some of our customers in 2017 (anticipating the new excise tax of 2018). 2019 looks promising and we are hoping to recover on our new car sales. Inflation is expected to slow down and increased investment on infrastructure, including election spending may be some factors that will help us recover in 2019. We will be able to enjoy full year sales of our newly introduced Lexus ES and UX models. Sales of Lexus hybrid models continues to increase and customers are now more familiar with the hybrid technology. NX, RX and our flagship LS models are all now available in hybrid variants.”
So there. Thank you all guys, and all the best in 2019!
PEE STOP More models coming up in 2019? That could only mean the auto business would be back on its feet in no time, indicating happy days will soon be with our motoring moguls after absorbing a big sales decline in 2018?…Lexus president Raymond T. Rodriguez will host the Pacquiao-Broner TV fight presentation on Sunday, Jan. 20, keeping intact a cherished tradition started by founding Lexus prez Danny “Sir John” Isla in 2009…Erratum: Last week, “photocup” came out instead of “pick-up” in Vince Licup’s analysis. My apologies…Birthday greetings to RSA, the low-key owner of SMC-BMW PHL. More to come, Sir!