Ford Philippines to boost exports in SEA

Ford Group Philippines is confident that the company’s vehicle sales this year will remain strong despite the rising cost of fuel and shifting preference for diesel-powered units. Ford Group Philippines President Rick Baker said Ford Focus, a diesel-powered car, remained the firm’s most popular vehicle. He said sales of big cars like the Expedition have slowed down due to rising fuel costs, but the segment accounted for a small portion of the company’s total sales. Ford assembles Ford Focus, Escape, the Mazda 3 and Tribute in the Philippines. It also exports these vehicles as completely built-up units to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. The company’s best-selling vehicle in the Philippines is the sports utility vehicle Ford Everest, whose sales surged 50% in the first three months of the year. Ford Group Philippines plans to tap other markets in the region, such as Singapore and Brunei, to increase sales. The company expects export sales this year to increase 40% to US$75 million from US$50 million last year. The company also expanded its engine plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna last year. (July 12, 2008)