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Ford Philippines feels impact of Thai flood on sales

TopGear.com.ph Philippine Car News - Ford Philippines now feeling the effect of Thailand's floods

Ford Philippines is now feeling the effect of the widespread flooding that struck Thailand in 2011. January sales of the American carmaker dropped 367 units, 47 percent lower than the number of vehicles sold in the same month last year. 

"Ford's three best-selling models in the Philippines--the Ford Fiesta, Ford Ranger and Ford Everest--are all built at the company's AutoAlliance Thailand facility, which was forced to halt production for several weeks in the fourth quarter as the Thai floods caused disruptions across the auto industry's supplier network," Ford Philippines said in a statement. 

In January, the Fiesta continued to lead Ford's sales with 143 units sold, followed by the Philippine-assembled Escape with 112 units. Another big seller is the Explorer with over 400 units sold since its launch in October 2011.

Despite the downturn in January, Ford Philippines remains confident about its overall performance for the rest of 2012 as the carmaker is banking on the launch of three all-new One Ford vehicles, and the opening of 12 new dealerships across the country to bring the total number to 35 showrooms.

"Supply issues caused by the Thai floods caught up with us in January, but our showrooms remained very busy during the month and customer bookings continued to be strong. This helped reinforce our confidence in another strong full year ahead, which will be boosted by the launch of more segment-leading global One Ford vehicles," said Randy Krieger, president of Ford Group Philippines.

Besides the much-awaited launch of the all-new Ranger at the Manila International Auto Show in March, Ford will also bring into the Philippines later this year the 2.0-liter Explorer GTDi--the first Ford vehicle with EcoBoost engine technology that will be sold here--and the all-new Focus that "will introduce several first-in-segment smart technologies that help deliver another class-leading offering."

Are you excited for Ford this 2012? We know we are.

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  • dtkiko Feb 22 2012 @ 06:16pm
     
    EXCELLENT job Ford!

    Now that's what we call as giving the best to Pinoys, regardless of us being just a developing country, even when some car companies here far differentiate their model for so-called Class "C" only Pinoy buyers....

    More power to FORD!
        1
  • pehdehceh Feb 22 2012 @ 06:42pm
     
    This is a sign that Ford should not close their factory in Laguna. Instead, they should assemble more models here for them not to have supply issues and be one of the plants in producing more units for distribution locally and internationally.
       
    • iskwakalogz Feb 22 2012 @ 08:48pm
       
      is that true that the ford assembly plant here is due to close down? or is just a rumor?
         
      • AM3 Feb 22 2012 @ 09:59pm
         
        They are trying to find other uses for the plant. Mazda 3 and Focus production will shift to Thailand, the Escape will be the only one left, by next year the Escape will be replaced by an all-new one which will most likely be built in Thailand too.
           
    • robin_micmac Feb 23 2012 @ 02:00pm
       
      Ford doesnt find it attractive to make cars in the Philippines due to the Govt regulations
         
  • mindkinetic Feb 22 2012 @ 10:29pm
     
    ford transcended times when the car industry faces double whammy brought about by the global financial crisis hitting america and europe. ergo this flood issue will just be a walk in the park for ford so to speak. with new reliable line ups for 2012 they can easily off set the deficit by the end of the 2nd quarter.
       
  • borikyo Feb 22 2012 @ 10:41pm
     
    Bakit pa kasi isasara ung plant sa sta rosa....
       
    • iancmv Feb 22 2012 @ 10:50pm
       
      Gov't's support with taxes, I guess.
         
    • robin_micmac Feb 23 2012 @ 02:01pm
       
      no incentive from the Govt. Flood prone Thailand is more attractive than Philippines
         
  • AuiBoy Feb 22 2012 @ 10:53pm
     
    They say each unit produce in laguna is 1500 usd more expensive compare to thailand, but the market oppurtunity of this business is bigger compare to BPO section, if only our goverment would have the conscience!!
       
  • rarq23 Feb 23 2012 @ 01:36am
     
    Please help us put some pressure on Ford to release the pricing for the 2012 Ranger SOON. I'm about to buy a pickup, can't wait any longer. If they release the price and it fits the budget then I might push my purchase and go for the Ranger. Com'on Ford - pricing info please.
        1
  • barry Feb 24 2012 @ 04:01pm
     
    ang malaking kalaban ng 2.0L explorer GTDi? ang jeep compass with a 2.0L gasoline-fed. so in short, yan ang sasabihin nila na isasarado ang planta sa laguna na hindi rin pala ligtas ang planta sa rayong because of floods? oh c'mon, think again guys...
       
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