Honda Cars expects to post better sales next year

MANILA, Philippines — The automobile unit of Honda in the Philippines is looking to post better sales next year even as it expects the COVID-19 pandemic to still affect vehicle demand.

“While the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic can still be felt, we are hopeful that sales figures for 2021 would be a lot better than this year,” Honda Cars Philippines Inc. (HCPI) general manager for sales Louie Soriano said.

He said HCPI expects its sales growth to be in line with that of the industry.

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. expects total automotive sales in the country to grow by 30 to 50 percent next year from this year’s expected 240,000 units.

As of end-November, HCPI sold 10,482 units, 43 percent lower than the 18,489 units in the same period last year.

Soriano said HCPI expects the all-new CR-V and all-new City launched last October to help drive sales performance next year.

He said sales promos and after-sales deals are also expected to help encourage consumers to make car purchases next year.

To reach more customers, he said HCPI would continue to open dealerships.

“As of now, we have one confirmed dealer opening for 2021,” he said.

Recently, HCPI reopened its Fairview dealership in Quezon City under a new management.

The Fairview dealership is HCPI’s 37th in the country.