Nissan banks on the country’s continued economic growth, new models in 2013

CHEN says NMPI takes pride in the fact that each and every Nissan outlet provides the same total quality pre-sales and after-sales service.

In November, a fleet of flashy Nissan Teana sedans were seen traversing the streets of Cebu carrying Asean dignitaries and European officials for an international meeting. The luxury sedan, boasting of a design similar to modern executive European cars, while ably transporting these officials, did a better job of royally pampering these VIPs.

The event is just one of the key highlights that marked Nissan’s presence in the country for 2012 with distinction. And as with all the other activities of the Japanese car manufacturer in the Philippines, this had left a strong positive impression in many important people’s mind.

Similar to other car manufacturers, Nissan Motor Philippines Inc. in 2012 launched new exciting car models, one of them being the more stylish Grand Livinia Highway Star. Meant for people looking for trendy and stylish sedan with a lot of room, the Grand Livinia is fitted with performance parts by Autech Japan, which is famous for customized vehicles.

While Nissan’s 2012 performance in the local scene admittedly needs improvement, NMPI president and CEO Allen Chen is unfazed.

“In 2012, the automotive industry was back on track. After a problematic 2011 in terms of the natural calamities, car sales showed significant growth for the first 11 months, rising at 8 percent. We believe 2013 will even exceed this year’s numbers owing to new model introductions and the growing economy.”

Chen says the company was affected by the high cost of maintaining its plant facility, largely because of increased electricity rates. He adds that this resulted in unacceptable overhead costs that limited the company’s “flexibilities and ability to compete with our Asean counterparts cost-wise.”

“The government should step in and do something about this. In addition, the government should also consider providing generous incentives which will help the local industry become more competitive with its Asean counterpart; thus, pave the way for local assemblers to be considered as productions hubs in the region, generate the much-needed exports, and therefore increase plant utilization.”

In early 2013, Nissan is looking forward to the launch of the all-new Nissan Almera. The vehicle, incidentally, stole the limelight in the recently concluded 4th Philippine International Motor Show.

Positioned as an “affordable dynamic sedan,” the all-new Nissan Almera 1.5 L boasts of class-leading comfort and space, upscale design, great functionality as well as abundant legroom and headroom.

Aside from expanding its vehicle fleet, Chen says the company needs to sharpen its competitiveness by maintaining its focus on strengthening local operations to reach an optimized level where customer and partner expectations are met.

“Each of our activities reflects our lifelong commitment to keep our customers happy and loyal to the Nissan brand. As a result, we are proud to say that our customer satisfaction rating has been consistently high.”

NMPI has also expanded its presence strategically throughout the country, to make it convenient for customers to contact Nissan dealers.

Chen says NMPI takes pride in the fact that each and every Nissan outlet provides the same total quality pre-sales and after-sales service, even as compared to Nissan dealerships in other countries.

Chen says he expects 2013 as more favorable for the company, basing his analysis on CAMPI’s car sales forecast next year.

“While figures are yet to be confirmed by the members, CAMPI is tentatively projecting industry sales to reach 200,000 units. While GNP is at its highest this year, this trend is expected to continue in 2013; thus, consumer spending will be high, if not highest in the last decade.”