Maxus eyes 5-fold growth in sales

MANILA, Philippines — Maxus Philippines is targeting a five-fold growth in sales this year, driven by expectations of strong demand for the newly launched D60 sports utility vehicle (SUV).

In an online press conference yesterday, Maxus Philippines general manager Jun Cajayon said they are aiming to sell 1,000 units this year, up from around 200 units a year ago.

“That’s actually our adjusted target already. We’re going for 1,000 (units). We actually wanted to do more than that without the impact of the safeguard measures,” he said, noting the company was initially aiming to sell roughly 1,300 units this year.

Provisional safeguard measures amounting to P70,000 for every imported passenger car and P110,000 for every light commercial vehicle brought in the country from overseas were imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry as it found the higher imports to be hurting local manufacturing of vehicles.

Cajayon said the D60 unveiled by the firm yesterday is expected to be among the top three vehicle models to drive sales this year.

The D60, which is seen to cater to families and young professionals,  is available in two variants: the five-seater Pro priced at P1.148 million and the seven-seater Elite which costs P1.258 million.

Cajayon said these prices do not factor in the safeguard measures yet as the firm was able to bring in the first batch of units for sale prior to the imposition of the safeguard measures.

“So, at least a hundred customers will be very happy to receive it at this price. Now, when more units come in, we would of course, have to factor in the safeguard measures already. As to what level, we’ll probably cross the bridge when we get there but right now, we’re happy to offer this as prices which are not affected by safeguard measures,” he said.

Other vehicle models seen to drive the firm’s sales this year are the G10 and G50.

After the D60, Cajayon said Maxus Philippines has one more confirmed vehicle launch and is working to introduce three more vehicle models this year.

Apart from vehicle launches, he said the firm is also planning to expand its dealer network.

“Currently, we have eight dealerships strategically located. Four in Metro Manila, three in Visayas and one in Cagayan de Oro. Of course, we are not resting and we want to maximize the opportunities in the markets that would actually buy our models. Thus, we are planning at least five dealer appointments,” Cajayon said, noting the firm is looking at South Luzon, North Luzon and Mindanao.

In terms of after-sales services, he said the firm is implementing programs which include: five-year warranty, five-year free emergency roadside assistance, parts stock of up to five months, enhanced service quality through on-site and virtual product support, as well as home service or pick up and delivery.

Maxus Philippines, which entered the country in 2019, is part of the Ayala Group’s automotive portfolio.