Making inroads, gaining momentum

ARCILLA: We expect to close the year with a strong 15.8- percent improvement over 2011, and well above the industry’s growth rate.

The year 2012 was a solid one for Chevrolet—the company introduced three new car models that catered to an increasing demand from major segments; sold some 3,200 units; and achieved double digit growth.

The American car company’s “strong and resilient” performance, despite challenging situations, mirrors that of the motoring industry at large.

“Having an extensive product lineup translated to more opportunities for the brand to cater to increasing market demands. The Trailblazer and Colorado were among our breakthrough products of the year as it was warmly accepted by the public,” Alberto Arcilla, Chevrolet Philippines’ president and managing director, told Inquirer.

According to Arcilla, they expect to close the year with a strong 15.8 percent improvement over 2011, and well above the industry’s growth rate.

Aside from the Colorado (a pick-up truck) and the Trailblazer (a 7-seater diesel engine midsize SUV), Chevrolet also launched Sonic, the company’s global sub-compact car perfect for individuals who live an urban lifestyle. Next year, expect to see Chevrolet Spin to be available in the market.

“We shall continue to focus on providing a great product lineup and well thought-out sales and aftersales services for the Filipino driving market who appreciates value for money, durability and classy design,” Arcilla said.

While 2012 was a big success for Chevrolet, it didn’t go without some hiccups. Earlier in the year, the company faced some production issues from their source plants. This gave headaches for people responsible in meeting the car company’s sales targets for the year.

But when those issues were sorted out and the units did arrive in the latter half of the year, the new models were very well-received and sales target were hit.

“We adapted to the needs of the market and our dealer partners. We doubled our efforts in understanding our customers better, and maximized every opportunity that came our way through hard work and discipline,” he said.

Chevrolet also grew its dealer network to 18 nationwide, with newly opened ones in Tacloban, Nueva Ecija, and Cagayan de Oro. A bigger presence in more places translates to a better capacity to serve Chevrolet consumers all over the country.

In 2013, the company expects to see three more branches to better serve and highlight all the best the company has to offer.

This year, Chevrolet Philippines was ranked No. 1 once more (just as it did in 2011) in the J.D. Power Asia Pacific Customer Satisfaction Index study for Vehicle Aftersales services category in the Philippines.

Sustained success on all of these fronts helped the company achieve the goals for its customers and everyone else who relies on a strong and vibrant Chevrolet brand in the country.

Looking forward to 2013, Chevrolet is confident it would be able to sustain its good fortunes, doing what it does best-focusing on their customers, delivering products that matter, providing innovation in the motoring industry.

In the ever dynamic and always evolving car segment, Arcilla expects the subcompact segment to remain bullish in 2013, yet also acknowledges the fact that more people recognize the value of light commercial vehicles.

“People will continue to be more sensible with their purchases especially with the slew of quality options in the market, purchasing products that will stretch its value further than usual,” Arcilla said.

With several factors of success seemingly being on their side, Arcilla and his team hope for a much rosier 2013, yet they constantly pray to be protected from external factors such as global financial crisis and natural calamities, which can sway the motoring industry from good to bad in a snap.

But with sustained efforts and positive economic fundamentals, Arcilla believes 2013 will be a breakthrough year for Chevrolet.

He said: “We have faith that the current positive economic environment will persist and God-willing, industry players will have the opportunity to fully realize our full potential as a brand and a business.”