At a recent media forum hosted by Kia Philippines, company president Manny Aligada presented insights on the current economic situation, its impact on the automotive industry, and how Kia intends to use its Power to Surprise to help ease its effects on the company and its customers.
“The coronavirus and lockdown may have taken their toll on the local and global economy. Yet, we at Kia Philippines, are confident that we will overcome these with sales and aftersales initiatives, continuous expansion of our dealer network, entering into the digital age with a virtual showroom, and an unboxing of an all-new model,” said Aligada. “All these are designed to not only jumpstart our brand but the economy as well,” he added.
The automotive industry in the time of COVID-19
Together with the travel and tourism industries, the automotive industry was also hit hard by the pandemic. Vehicle sales declined by 52 percent year-on-year with households tightening its belts and holding on to their cash and bank institutions enforcing more stringent approval screening procedures.
As the Philippines enters recession, recovery is forecasted to happen in the last quarter of 2021. But despite the bleak forecast, Kia remains optimistic and sees various opportunities for growth and a way to contribute to the local economy.
Opportunities
While the automaker currently sits at the 10th spot in the sales rankings, some of its vehicles are seen as being in tune with the new normal way of life. The Picanto and Soluto, for instance, are perfect for daily drives and for those looking for affordable personal transport. On the business side, there is the K2500 which is ideal for delivery and shuttle services.
Aligada mentioned that in order to help stimulate the economy, those who can afford should spend money. To make it easier for customers to let go of their hard-earned cash, Kia is offering low downpayment financing schemes and huge cash discounts for their entire line up for the whole month of July. This includes offers for the Picanto, Soluto, Seltos, Sportage, Sorento, Rio Hatchback, Forte, Grand Carnival, Stinger, and the K2500. As an added bonus, all units of the K2500 Karga sold this month will come fitted with removable plastic dividers to enforce physical distancing measures.
Besides its vehicles, Kia Philippines recently announced the opening of four (4) new dealerships this quarter — Kia Marikina, Kia Fairview, and Kia Isabela which have recently opened, and Kia Bonifacio Global City that is scheduled for later this month. This brings Kia Philippines’ total dealer network to 34 sales and service facilities. In addition, four more facilities are planned by the end of 2020 or early 2021.
More unboxings lined up
Before the year ends, Kia has two more unboxings scheduled for 2020. The first is the launch of its Virtual Showroom, by the unboxing of an all-new model to add to their stable.
With all these surprises, Kia Philippines not only hopes to boost its presence in the country but also help uplift our countrymen’s lives with relevant products and services.
For more information about Kia in the Philippines, www.kia.com.