Big Three make it big in 2011

Ford, GM and Chrysler-known as America’s Big Three carmakers-made it big in the Philippines in 2011.

Ford rode on the demand for the Fiesta, Everest and the all-new Explorer to record a 51 percent sales growth this year. The Fiesta has become the country’s best-selling hatchback, no mean feat for a brand facing tough Japanese and Korean competitors. The all-new Explorer has seen strong demand after its launch. Its rakish good looks, abundance of features, and value-for-money pricing has had the dealers’ reservations booked solid. The Everest SUV, the first true pick-up based SUV introduced in the Philippines, continues to do well, thanks to revised styling and attractive pricing. Ford is poised to have a strong 2012 as well, with the upsized Ranger on its way. The all-new Focus and an innovative 2.0-liter turbocharged version of the Explorer will also be at the stands in 2012.

Chevrolet, under new distributor The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI), has also been busy. TCCCI has built up Chevy’s dealership network from 12 outlets to 16, and soon to increase further to 18 by 2012. The Cruze compact sedan won the coveted Car of the Year award for 2010-11, impressing journalists with its solid structure and responsive handling. The Captiva seven-seat crossover and Spark subcompact continue to be competitive as well. Chevrolet boosted sales by 30 percent compared to 2010, with the Spark and Cruze lines growing by 60 percent.

Chrysler under CATS Motors launched several interesting products in 2011. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was put through its paces on the Angeles dirt Motorsports Track. The new Grand Cherokee, now on a monocoque chassis, plowed through the muddy trails and climbed with an assured capability that was almost as good as its Wrangler stablemate.

CATS launched the Dodge Durango SUV, Challenger coupe, and Charger sedan in an Angus-powered barbecue. The year was capped by the release of the all-new 300C, with distinctive styling and a much-improved interior.—Jason K. Ang