IT is time once again to ask the experts, if not the industry bigwigs themselves, about their take on what’s in store for the car world in 2018.
As always, there is wisdom from everyone’s mind. As the saying goes, no one has a monopoly of knowledge—Desiderata notwithstanding. And what is Desiderata’s immortal counsel to us again? “Listen also to others, because even the dull and the ignorant have their stories to tell.”
And so, to get to the point, here are their thoughts, if not their own tale of the tape.
Maricar Parco, SMC-BMW president
WE are very excited this year as we expect an even stronger BMW in the Philippines. As you know, BMW is now the newest member company of San Miguel Corp. (MV)There are also a few model introductions now to look forward to in 2018. So expect exciting times ahead for BMW.
Vince Licup, dealer of Volvo, Chevrolet, Foton and Nissan
LOCALLY, I think it will still maintain its growth, although the first quarter will be slow, because people still are not used to new prices. I’m sure banks and dealers will come up with packages that will entice customers to buy again, either through measures lowering rates or decreasing cash out.
China’s trucks and vans will flourish as logistics and tourism will grow by leaps and bounds.
Luxury-car prices will surely drop and then we will see Manila and Cebu streets as like the ones in Tokyo or Hong Kong, which will transform luxury cars from extraordinary to ordinary. In short, the norm.
Globally, I can see trends as in Japanese brands emulating Europeans and vice versa (the grass is greener on the other side).
I think the Japanese models have an upper hand in the global market, even as the only ace being waved right now by the European brands is China’s emergence as an automotive consumer giant.
Froi Dytianquin, Mitsubishi senior vice president for marketing
FOR 2018, we are not so optimistic as total industry sales may decline due to the implementation of new excise tax under the TRAIN bill, which will particularly affect the first and second quarters of this year. The new excise tax may also change the landscape as it is favorable to some segments, particularly pickup/trucks.
Atty. Albert Arcilla, president and CEO of Volvo Philippines, managing director of Chevrolet Philippines
ON the local front, I think the first quarter will be very ambivalent as the market will have to settle with the new dynamics as a result of the final excise-tax scheme.
Many manufacturers will have to calibrate their product offers and price positioning now that the rates are certain. But I feel the need for mobility, which will still propel the market pending a good mass transport system.
New model offers and good financing support will be a good factor to expect growth and sustainability, as well.
On the global perspective, we will see the acceleration of models and variants that will address the common goal of sustaining the environment and achieving a more green objective. We saw many countries passing legislation that makes this a priority measure so I am sure all manufacturers will gear up their plans in this regard.
Also clear is the new automotive needs and driving habits of the now growing market. We will see more programs and designs that will address the ride-sharing and self-driving preference of this growing market.
All in all, it’s going to be an exciting and dynamic year for the automotive industry and I am sure everyone will buckle up and enjoy the ride.
Jose Atienza, senior vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines
WE do not expect the same double-digit growths we have seen in the past years, and there may even be some slight market reduction of 2018 versus 2017. This is because of the likelihood of vehicle sales getting pulled forward to 2017 due to the market anticipation of the new vehicle excise taxes implementation.
This is temporary, however, and we see a market recovery in 2019 based on the strong local economy and aggressive activities of the various car players.
More coming
WATCH out for more next week as we unload additional salvos from the so-called pundits. Let us put our trust to them, for they know what they talk about and from where they speak of on matters closest to their hearts. Abangan!
PEE STOP Because its models Fortuner, Innova, Hi-Ace, Camry, Hi-Lux, Yaris, Vios and Wigo were sales topnotchers in their segments, Toyota went on to post its 16th consecutive Triple Crown Affair in 2017, topping sales in passenger cars, commercial vans and overall performance. Cheers!… Needless to say, Toyota ranked No. 1 in overall sales in 2017, followed by Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, Isuzu, Nissan, Suzuki, Chevrolet and Mazda.