Honda Philippines sees 10% growth in 2014 sales

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) projected that its 2014 sales would grow by at least 10 percent, selling around 15,000 units for the year, because of the introduction of new vehicle models and expanded dealerships. Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. showed that Honda sold 13,356 units in 2013. "I felt like I have to revitalize the Honda brand in the Philippines where we can expect the biggest growth in the region supported by the strong GDP (gross domestic product)," HCPI's new president and general manager Toshio Kuwahara said. Kuwahara became HCPI president and general manager on April 1, replacing Tatsuya Natsume. Kuwahara said that the company expected higher sales to be supported by the launch of the all-new City this April, and three other vehicle models within the year. In January, HCPI introduced the new Accord. HCPI will also open three more dealerships this year, with one located in Carmona in Cavite and the rest likely to be in Metro Manila. The company currently has 32 dealerships. Kuwahara said that though HCPI did not have plans for additional investments to its facility in Santa Rosa in Laguna and manufacturing new vehicle models, it would consider pouring in new capital depending on the support the government would give under the automotive industry road map and what type of vehicle it would encourage to be locally assembled. — DVM, GMA News