‘Philippines could be Nissan’s top Asean market anew’

Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. believes the Philippines could once again become its top market in Southeast Asia, according to Masao Tsutsumi, the company's Asean and Thailand president. Speaking to reporters, Tsutsumi stated that the Philippines is "very close" to overtaking Thailand as Nissan's top market in the region.

The potential of the Philippines to reclaim its top position has led Nissan to prioritize the country in its regional rollout. Nissan has chosen the Philippines as the first market for its two new models, the all-new Nissan Navara Pro plug-in hybrid and Primera EV, which were previewed earlier this week. Both vehicles are being positioned as Nissan's first-of-their-kind offerings in the region, tailored to the needs and lifestyle of Filipino consumers.

Nissan Philippines Inc. president Yoshinori Kanazawa expressed his confidence in the Philippines, stating that the company believes these new products can meet Filipinos' needs and preferences. This optimism is further fueled by the growing interest in electrified vehicles and new automotive technologies among Filipino consumers. Kanazawa noted that the recent crisis in the Middle East, which led to fuel price hikes, has contributed to the increased demand for more sustainable mobility options.

While the Philippines currently has a lower vehicle ownership rate per capita compared to some of its regional peers, the country's shift towards greener mobility is gaining momentum. A recent Deloitte study indicated a rising consumer interest in electric vehicles in the Philippines, driven by higher fuel costs. However, Kanazawa acknowledged that limited public charging infrastructure remains a significant challenge for wider adoption of electrified vehicles.

Kanazawa remains optimistic about the future development of infrastructure for electrification in the Philippines, crediting strong initiatives from both the government and private sector for accelerating the transition. He expressed confidence that the country is rapidly expanding its charging infrastructure, which will create a more favorable environment for the growth of electrified vehicles in the future.