We’d like to welcome the new man at the head of Sojitz G Auto Philippines, the distributor of Geely cars in the country.
Yugo Kiyofuji now steers SGAP as president and CEO.
Kiyofuji succeeds Yosuke Nishi who blazed a trail for the Geely brand in the country.
After entering the local market in 2019, Nishi led Geely past the 10,000 sales mark by March of 2022, with a lineup of just three models, among the fastest to reach the milestone in just two years and eight months.
Kiyofuji vows to do as well, saying his goal is to take Geely to the next level and become one of the top passenger vehicle brands in the country by 2025.
At the same time, we also like to welcome Kazuki Sugino, who has been appointed as chief administrative officer tasked to strengthen the quality of SGAP operations.
MIAS is back
The auto industry is said to be a good mirror of how the economy is going. If the auto industry is doing well, so is the whole economy.
So the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) finally returning after a 2-year absence forced by the global Covid-19 pandemic can be said to augur well for the industry and the country’s economy.
Over four days the MIAS drew thousands of car enthusiasts — many coming as families — to enjoy the latest and best offerings of the local auto industry from auto manufacturers and distributors to the downstream sectors like the makers and sells of parts and accessories.
This can reflect what everybody is hoping for: the economy finally opening and normalcy returning, albeit the so-called new normal.
Both for the industry and the car enthusiasts, the MIAS returning with its 17th edition is a happy event and a reunion of sorts.
A reunion that brings together in one venue, automakers, parts and tire suppliers, accessories distributors showcasing their latest and best models and products.
Angkas rides polls
Elections are meant to give people a chance to choose who they think would best represent their interests.
Angkas, a pioneer of the motorcycle taxi industry, gave its members and motorcycle owners the chance to determine who among the senatorial candidates would look after their welfare.
Candidates for senators were invited to the Angkas Safety Fiesta held in Cainta which was attended by around 3,000 motorcycle owners, including many Angkas rider-partners.
According to Angkas CEO George Royce, more than 90 percent of motorcycle owners are low-income breadwinners many of whom use their two-wheeled rides as a means of livelihood as well affordable and convenient personal transport.
Motorcycles owner say they suffer from lack of bike-friendly infrastructure, livelihood benefits, and the proper system to protect them from being regarded and treated as second-class citizens on the road.
At the Safety Fiesta, the senator-wannabes were asked about plans they have that would benefit bikers.
Senatorial candidate Chel Diokno said that government should be focusing more on how to move people in the metropolis in the shortest possible time and that motorcycles are really suited to that role.
But he said government must also improve the mass transport system.
Seeking reelection, Senator Risa Hontiveros cited the need to constantly dialog with the motorcycle entrepreneur sector to learn their needs and address these in the form of appropriate legislation.
Teddy Baguilat of the Liberal Party cited the role of motorcycle riders in helping keep the economy afloat during the Covid-19 lockdowns, providing public transport as well making on-line shopping deliveries, including food and medicine as well as other necessities. He also vowed to look into the problem of lack of spare motorcycle parts.
Happy Motoring!!!
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