Way off its target in 2011, the Philippine auto industry hopes to recover this year by selling 154,000-plus cars.

According to Rommel Gutierrez,new president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (Campi), is expected to grow by 9 percent in 2012 after a disappointing performance last year in which total sales fell by 4 percent or 141,616 units.

Gutierrez, who is also the vice president of Toyota Motor Philippines, said the recovery this year would be driven chiefly by stable supply, new models and more aggressive sales efforts by the different car companies.

The calamities that hit Japan in the first quarter of the year and Thailand in the fourth quarter caused supply shortages on some units until the end of the year.

Meantime, Gutierrez, in a published report, said Campi will aim to play an active role in 2012 in providing an environment conducive to ensure stable supply and allow firms to generate more sales.

“Campi hopes to strengthen the advocacy of sustaining local production of vehicles in the Philippines,” he said.

“Members are united in supporting an industry roadmap aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of vehicles and parts and components manufacturing in the country.”

He added that Campi will work hand in hand with the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council Inc. (PACCI) in tapping the potential of the auto industry for growth in domestic production base that can lead to sustainable export operation.

The new Campi boss said their group will also bat for all the manufacturing industry associations to have a unified voice and stronger collaboration with the government in crafting relevant policy and in legislating a more stable and consistent industry rules and regulations.  

Aside from Gutierrez, others elected Campi officials were Dante Santos of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. as vice president; Val Deleon of Nissan Motor Philippines Corp. as treasurer and Jose Alvarez as chairman of the board.

In a related development, a Campi report showed Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge brands setting strong sales performances in 2011.

Overall, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles sold a total of 341 unites in 2011, a 12% growth compared to 2010. The Chrysler 300C, Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Durango and Dodge Nitro SXT are among Chrysler Group’s nameplates that accomplished an outstanding performance last year.

CATS Motors projects an increase in sales for 2012 with the opening of an additional dealer at Alabang, as well as a new line of models that are getting ready for launch, starting with the new 470 horsepower 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 which just made its way to showrooms.