South East Asian Automotive News

Chrysler, Ford Motor Co and General Motors recently visited the Philippines to explore investment opportunities. Representatives from the auto manufacturers showed interest in entering the Philippine market, but insisted on receiving further assurances on investment incentives before making a commitment. In return, the automakers pledged to encourage US auto parts manufacturers to relocate to the Philippines. Assembly plants established by any of the big three US manufacturers would likely slate substantial production for export. In 1997 car assemblers produced 200,000 cars in the Philippines and sold 144,000 domestically. (April 16^th 1998)