‘Aughost’ deflects sales growth

THE resurgent virus has dented anew the industry’s recovery efforts as August sales declined by 11.5 percent. Sad, indeed. Just when we thought that the dark skies were starting to brighten up to make business aright, the “ghost” of August struck.

The world’s toughest enemy in 104 years, microscope-visible only to the naked eye, is threatening almost nonstop to derail a market rebound.

But no one’s surrendering as business moguls remain firm in soldiering on amid the pandemic rampage.

In this regard, Rommel Gutierrez, the charismatic lawyer with the ubiquitous Bee Gees voice, has sent a sales update from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (Campi) and Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).

Their combined August sales reached 15,847 units, equivalent to an 11.5 percent decline compared with the 17,906 units sold in the same period last year.

Gutierrez, the Campi president, attributed the slide to the decline in economic activity in particular and in consumer spending in general.

“This was worsened by the stricter twoweek lockdown in the National Capital Region and nearby provinces that was reimposed last month,” said Gutierrez.

“The message of this bleak performance is worth noting,” he said. “Strict lockdowns in response to curbing the Covid-19 pandemic might affect the industry’s recovery this year.”

He said the total sales target of 295,400 units or 20.9-percent growth than the actual sales recorded last year is being compromised.

Year-to-date, the industry has sold 170,112 units, a 37.8-percent increase compared with the 123,489 units recorded in the same period last year.

Not bad as we still have four months to go before yearend. By experience, vehicle sales rev up going towards December as the typical consumer, by nature, tends to spend even his last peso in his pocket if only to celebrate the season of joy.

Right Attorney G aka Barry Gibb?

Lexus pressed prices

LEXUS has launched lucrative discounts on its RX lineup, the iconic variant launched in 1998 that has become the country’s most popular Lexus model.

“That is not surprising, considering how the RX has evolved, not just in appearance, but in quality, technology, and practicality as well,” said Jade B. Sison, the comely chief media strategist of Lexus chieftain Raymond T. Rodriguez.

Thus, this September, Jade says the prices of the four models have been drastically lowered to adapt to the times and “in appreciation to the continued patronage of our loyal Lexus customers.”

The new prices: RX 350 P4,438,000; RX 350 F Sport P4,998,000; RX 350L P4,918,000; and, RX 450h (3.5-liter hybrid, direct injection V6 petrol engine) P5,238,000.

PEE STOP

Honda ends its four-day sale on September 18 with huge discounts ushering in the holiday season, plus service promos extended up to September 30. Visit www.hondaphil.com for more details…