Media Thanksgiving
NPI President and Managing Director Ramesh Narasimhan (center) and NPI Vice President for Sales, Marketing and Dealer Development SJ Huh lead a toast to a successful 2016 for Nissan Philippines

THURSDAY | JANUARY 12, 2017

Nissan Philippines Inc. (NPI) posted a 48% sales growth for 2016, selling a total of 16,897 units versus the 11,420 units posted in the previous year. This is the highest calendar year performance yet, with the month of June registering their highest sales.

 “We are happy to note that 2016 has been a year of increasing success for Nissan in the Philippines.” Ramesh Narasimhan, President and Managing Director of NPI said. “From innovation through a strong product lineup and the introduction of new car models to the market, to exciting new programs, we continue to make our mark of motoring excellence in the Philippine automotive scene."

ENHANCED PRODUCT LINE-UP

Sales grew on the back of continuing strong performance turned in by Nissan’s vehicle line-up, with the people- and cargo mover Urvan bannering the sales, adding 33% to the total Nissan sales.

Other vehicle models that contributed to NPI’s sales growth included the award-winning Nissan Navara pickup, the Nissan Juke and its standout looks,  and the practical yet stylish roominess of the Nissan Almera sedan.

Also enhancing the presence of the automotive maker's mark in the local market was the launch of the Nissan Navara Sport Edition in mid-2016, and the introduction of three new models during the 6th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) in September 2016 - the minor change Altima, Nissan Juke N-Sport and the legendary super sports car, the Nissan GT-R 2017.

As a testament to the successful introduction of its new products to the market, as well as the strength of its current vehicle line-up, the Nissan Juke, Navara 4x2, Urvan, and GT-R were recognized with a number of awards and commendations from various award giving bodies in 2016.

 INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS

In addition to the refreshed vehicle line-up, Nissan also introduced a number of innovative programs and activities for the year.

2016 saw the return of the Nissan GT Academy, as well as Asia’s first-ever female finalist, Elysse Menorca. She is also the first-ever female to qualify for the Race Camp in the UK. 

The company also continued its partnership with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), in the “Visit the Philippines, Drive to Discover with Nissan” project that promotes local tourism in the country. The program aims to promote local tourism through road travel, in support of the DOT’s “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. The Nissan Almera, Nissan Juke, Nissan X-Trail, and the Nissan Navara, all saw action on the country's road network, crisscrossing the country with select media guests as they put the focus on some of the nation's hidden gems.

COMMITMENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE

 As a testament to Nissan’s promise of enhancing the customer’s experience, NPI unveiled the new global Nissan Retail Environment Design Initiative or NREDI 2.1. This was first seen at the opening of the country's first and only authorized retailer and service center for the Nissan GT-R, the Nissan High Performance Center in Quezon Avenue, as well as the launch of the newly constructed Nissan Sucat branch.

To bring the brand even closer to its customers, Nissan also introduced the Nissan Express Service. This program showcases industry first offerings such as an online book a mechanic system, as well as a guaranteed PMS service time of 30 minutes, the labor fee is waived.  This is achieved using specialized tools and equipment, a coordinated two-man work process flow, and a computerized digital planning system to manage the load of the two dedicated work bays.

LENDING A HELPING HAND TO THE COMMUNITY

As part of its CSR program, NPI gave back to the community by partnering with Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFH-P). The highlight of its community involvement was the culmination of its housing project with the turnover of four core houses in Bistekville V village in Barangay Payatas, Q.C.

“With all these successes over the past year, the motoring public can expect a bolder Nissan in 2017, as we sustain the momentum of the brand, and focus on expanding our dealer network, enhancing our product line-up and services, in our pursuit to give the best experience to our customers.” concludes Narasimhan.