Pandemic or not, Filipinos buy cars
DURING the onset of the pandemic, some car companies sold more than expected to my surprise.
Since there were restrictions that affected livelihood, life was supposed to be difficult and buying a car was kind of inappropriate.
But Filipinos, especially the rich ones, acquired cars during the global outbreak. This is because aside from the discounted prices of vehicles, people already had plans –mostly travels which were cancelled because of the pandemic.
So instead of spending for travelling, people bought cars.
Filipinos love cars. Owning one is the dream of many of our countrymen. This makes the Philippines a very good market for automobiles.
Korean car brand Kia admits the Philippines remains to be very promising market for the company which aims for a double-digit growth this year.
The company’s optimism reflected its year-on-year growth despite supply constraints, KIA Philippines national head of sales John Dahlen said.
Kia is targeting to achieve a double-digit year-to-date volume growth in 2023. Stonic remains the driver of sales for Kia, accounting for almost half of its sales for the first five months of the year.
This is followed by Soluto, K2500, Carnival, Sorento, and EV6.
From January to May this year, Kia sold 2,100 units in the Philippine market, which is 19 percent higher than last year’s volume.
“Considering again the availability of models, sales are estimated to increase towards the second half of 2023, which is because of the key models which we believe will bring a volume for Kia,” Dahlen explained.
The growth will also be supported by opening more dealerships across the country.
Kia now has 45 dealerships nationwide, with one upcoming in Bacoor. The car brand aims to have 50 dealerships by 2025.
Meanwhile, Kia Philippines has named Brian Buendia as its new chief operating officer, taking over the leadership from its outgoing president Manny Aligada.
“Dynamic, innovative, and inspiring. These are the pillars upon which my vision for Kia Philippines is based,” Buendia said.
Among his targets for Kia include refining the buying and ownership experience for its customers, strengthening its industry rankings, expanding its dealership network, and establishing Kia as a major player in the electric vehicle market.
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