Tata Motors has announced its entry into the Philippines market at the ongoing Manila International Auto Show 2014 (April 3-6). The company, which has appointed Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc as its local distributor, will commence its business operations with exports of the Manza, Vista, Indigo and the Indica from its passenger car portfolio and the Xenon, the Ace and the Super Ace from its commercial vehicles range. At the show, Tata has showcased the Manza, Vista, Xenon, Ace and the Super Ace.

Commenting on this new initiative, R T Wasan, Head, International Business – Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, said, “Philippines is one of the key markets for Tata Motors in the ASEAN region. We look forward to unfold our Horizonext strategy in Philippines for a deeper presence in this market across several product segments.”

Johnny Oommen, Head, International Business – Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors, added, “We are very confident with our distribution partner and believe that its extensive network along with our global expertise will bring a range of exciting Tata vehicles into the Philippines market.”

Dave Coyukiat, chairman, Pilipinas Taj Autogroup Inc, said, “We are thrilled to bring to the Philippine market a range of tough and reliable vehicles from India’s largest and most trusted automobile company.”

Tata Motors, which has a presence in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar, has made a strategic entry into the Philippines. The ASEAN region is a focus export market for Tata and the Philippines is billed as among the new growth markets globally. In September 2013, a Ricardo Strategic Consulting study predicted that from the year 2020 onwards the engine for profitable growth will be – political stability provided – the economies of ‘Rising-15’ automotive markets: Argentina, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

These 15 markets will offer significant new opportunities for the global automotive industry. With vehicle ownership strongly correlated to GDP per capita, the study indicates that these fast growing markets still offer the biggest potential for automotive growth. In markets such as these, a further qualitative trend in vehicle purchase has been the substitution of imported used vehicles with budget vehicle brands. But as with previous waves of international automotive expansion, competition in this new phase of growth will be joined by new players – particularly from China and India – with aspirations for global expansion.