Mitsubishi PH registers 6 consecutive years of growth

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recorded its sixth year of consecutive sales growth as it closed 2012. MMPC was able to sell a total of 34,915 vehicles, which is 7 percent better than its 2011 sales of 32,603 vehicles. Meanwhile, members of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturer of the Philippines (CAMPI) and Truck Manufacturer Association (TMA) reported combined annual sales of 156,649 vehicles, an improvement of 10.6 percent compared to 141,616 units sold in 2011. With this figure, MMPC registered a notable 22-percent market share, keeping its position as the second automotive industry leader in the country.

Aside from this six-year growth streak, increases in several segments were also reflected in MMPC’s 2012 performance. MMPC bannered improvements on the sales of passenger cars, light commercial vehicles (LCV), and in trucks and bus segments. Passenger cars were impressively up by 93 percent with 3,214 units sold compared to 1,669 units sold in 2011. Meanwhile, trucks and buses also increased with double digits of 36 percent and 21 percent, respectively. LCV modestly increased with 31,058 units sold versus 30,457 units sold in 2011.

MMPC’s remarkable sales performance can be credited to its continuing efforts to provide the market with a refreshed and extensive vehicle lineup coupled with aggressive and attractive sales promotions. New models such as Mirage and Lancer EX 1.6 were also launched last year, and in effect significantly reinforced MMPC’s presence in the passenger cars segment.

With the new models’ highly competitive and class-leading features coupled with its great value for money, Mirage and Lancer EX were very well accepted by the market. Montero Sport continued to be the best-selling midsize SUV as it topped its category with a total of 12,510 units sold. The ever-reliable and low-maintenance L300 Chassis Cab took an 87.3-percent market share in the utility cab segment.

The year 2013 is important for MMPC as it is celebrating its 50th anniversary in February. MMPC has a long heritage in the history of the Philippine automotive industry, starting way back in 1963 and producing models such as the Dodge Colt, Minica, Lancer, Galant and Mitsubishi light-duty commercial vehicles.

With this, MMPC looks forward to continuing its legacy of providing vehicles of world-class quality in the country. Likewise, MMPC will be bringing in more vehicles that will respond to the market’s demand for quality vehicles that are perfect for diverse lifestyles and needs. “2013 will truly be an exciting year for MMPC as we will be introducing new additions to our lineup and at the same time several upgrades to keep our existing models more interesting to the market,” MMPC president and CEO Hikosaburo Shibata said.

“Our challenge for this year is to sustain the growth trend and keep Mitsubishi a strong and trusted brand in the Philippines,” Shibata added.

With this, MMPC is very much optimistic this year with plans to sell 43,000 units, or a significant growth of 23 percent from last year. This positive targeted volume considers full-year sales of its All-New Mirage, at the same time banking on better supply conditions of its completely built-up units such as Montero and Strada, which both come from Thailand. It can be recalled that MMPC suffered short supply of these two core models in the early part of 2012, due to the effect of the flooding in Thailand in the last part of 2011.

Moreover, with the very favorable and robust Philippine economic outlook, MMPC is certain that the Philippine auto industry will register another record-breaking sales volume for 2013.