WE are past the halfway mark of the year and, without really meaning to state the obvious, the car industry was one of the hardest hit in the last four months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sales alone dropped by a crippling 51.2 percent from January to June this year, with only 85,041 units sold compared to 174,135 units purchased in that same span in 2019.
The leader board hasn’t changed, though, as Toyota still paced the field by a mile with 35,648 units sold, followed by Mitsubishi with 15,133 and Nissan third at 9,708. From fourth to 10th spots were Hyundai, Suzuki, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Foton and Adventure Cycle Philippines.
But even as our carmakers reel from the virus scourge, healthy signs of recovery had been recorded almost in an instant with the recent “soft opening” of the economy. Always, as the saying goes, behind the clouds, the sun shines so brightly.
New Vios launch
THE following is the speech of Atsuhiro Okamoto, the president of Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP), during the digital launch of the New Vios:
“It was only last month that we had the digital launch of the new Wigo, and I thank you all for making it a success. Toyota moves forward with efforts to adjust to this new normal and your continued support shows that we move forward and adapt together.
“And so, here we are again. In our pursuit to always level-up in providing customers with constant improvement, we are now delivering on the Vios Legacy.
“Known for reliability, durability, efficiency, and affordability since 2003, the Vios has evolved to fit the Filipinos’ ever-changing needs and has since been the country’s Best-Selling Sedan.
“Now, Toyota is set to level-up once more with a car proudly made by Filipino’s for Filipinos. A true Pinoy Pride of a sedan, it is a testament of our unwavering commitment to drive the country forward.
“You can count on TMP to stay true to our promise of making the world’s best Vios, and in the process, helping the economy, and providing livelihood to thousands of Filipino families.
“With the New Vios, we have once again reinvented the Filipino’s most preferred car. With its upgraded design and new features, we can truly expect the new Vios to Level Up Your Drive!
“So get ready to level-up not only your drive, but also your life with the New Toyota Vios!
“Thank you and enjoy the show.”
Nissan new era in Ariya
MY e-mail inbox produced the following:
“Nissan recently unveiled the Ariya, a new 100-percent electric crossover model that the boss of the struggling Japanese car manufacturer said would open a ‘new era’ in the firm’s fortunes.
“It was the first completely new model produced by Nissan since the Kicks in 2016 and the first electric model targeting the general market since the Nissan Leaf that first rolled off the factory floor 10 years ago.
“Presenting the new car at the firm’s Yokohama HQ in Japan, Nissan CEO Makoto Uchida said it would play a ‘key role as a brand driver and the face of Nissan for the new era.’
“Ariya is a blend of our two core strengths: EV [electric vehicles] and crossover expertise” said Uchida, who also unveiled a new corporate logo for Nissan.
“The Ariya has a range of 610 kilometers and should hit dealerships in Japan from the middle of next year with a price tag of around ¥5 million ($47,000).
“Nissan aims to roll out the new model in Europe, the United States and China towards the end of 2021,” the firm said in a statement.
“Still trying to recover from the devastating image damage caused by the sudden departure of now fugitive tycoon Carlos Ghosn, Nissan desperately needs a hit seller.
“In May, the firm revealed an annual net loss of $6.2 billion, announced it would shut its Barcelona plant and slash production, as it also wrestles with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“At the same time, Nissan unveiled a four-year plan that will involve cutting global production by 20 percent.
“The Japanese car giant has set itself the target of selling more than 1 million electric or hybrid cars a year by 2023/2024, compared to 200,000 units in 2019/2020.
“It’s a big number but Nissan could get close to it because China recently decided it would ‘more or less accept hybrid vehicles,’” said Bloomberg’s Tatsuo Yoshida.
“However, Yoshida also noted that ‘Nissan was an EV pioneer with the Leaf but the group has been now kind of overrun in that segment.’
“It was a pioneer 10 years ago but no longer. Nissan leadership in EV was in the past. The competition is very intense. They still have technology but it’s not Nissan only anymore,’ Yoshida told AFP.
“After the Ariya, Nissan plans to launch seven other 100-percent electric vehicles between now and 2023, aiming mainly at the Chinese, European and domestic markets. Some 12 new models are being planned over the next 12 months.”
PEE STOP New Zealand-based Danny Isla, the former Lexus Manila president, has canceled his Manila visit, aborting his July birthday celebration here due to the virus plague. Wise move since Danny’s Warkworth community where the family-owned Let It Brew coffee shop thrives and throbs vibrantly is Covid-19 free and therefore allows hugging, beso-beso and socializing. Better safe than sorry, bro!