Monday, September 24, 2007
Car smuggling rising: exec
VEHICLE smuggling is increasing in the country, but the government is doing something about it.
This, said Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC) president Keiji Takeda, is the situation the car manufacturing industry in the country is facing.
Efforts
He did not give a categorical answer when asked if he was satisfied with government efforts, but said they are regularly meeting with officials dealing with the problem.
“We see that the government is doing some prevention measures. We appealed for the government to see how serious really our industry is damaged,” Takeda said.
Earnings
Reportedly the world’s third biggest diesel-engine vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu sold its 100,000th vehicle as retail sale last month, as it celebrates its 10th inaugural anniversary this year.
Takeda said that something has to be done on the country’s smuggling problem.
And while he could not cite exact figures, he said earnings of smugglers of their vehicles are comparable to theirs.
Target
But Isuzu Cebu general manager Tony Pineda said they have already sold here an estimated 480 units, which is already close to the target of 500 units this year.
Crosswind XUVs account for at least 50 percent of their total sales, Takeda added. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 24, 2007 issue)
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