Mazda's new distributor Berjaya Auto eyes bigger PHL market share

Berjaya Auto Philippines Inc., the new distributor of Japan's Mazda cars in the Philippines, wants a bigger share of the Philippine market by putting in place long-term expansion plans. 

 

“We think being in the Top Five car brands in the country is a reasonable ambition. We want to have a reasonable share in all segments we compete in,” Berjaya Auto chief executive Steven Tan told reporters in a press conference Friday. 

 

Tan wants to sell more than the estimated 2,000 units sold in 2012. Mazda sales were reported at over 3,000 units a year in 2011 and 2010. 

 

Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Mazda 2, CX5, CX9, MX5 and the BT50 pickup truck models are sold in the country. 

 

Tan, however, said there will be a revamp of the model line-up “over the coming years.” 

 

According to the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., the current Top Five vehicle brands in terms of market share are Toyota, Mitsubishi, Honda, Isuzu, and Ford. 

 

Berjaya Auto is now waiting for the first batch of imported cars to arrive – probably by the end of January, banking on perceptions of a stronger market for Mazda in the coming years, according to its chief executive.

 

For 2013, the company is opening five dealerships – the first this week along C5 road – to boost its presence in the Philippines, he added.

 

There are currently nine Mazda dealerships which Berjaya Auto took over from Ford Philippines, after the Japanese carmaker signed a distribution agreement with Berjaya Auto last Sept. 12. — VS, GMA News