E-VEHICLE. Japanese carmaker Nissan will launch its 100-percent electric vehicle Nissan Leaf in the Philippines this year. Nissan is optimistic about the prospects of the e-vehicle market in the country. (Screengrab from Nissan website)
MANILA – Nissan remains optimistic in the Philippine market particularly in the electric vehicle segment.
In a virtual briefing with trade reporters Thursday, Nissan Philippines president and managing director Atsushi Najima said the Japanese carmaker will push through with its plan to introduce its hatchback battery e-vehicle Nissan Leaf by this year.
This despite Nissan decided to shut down its manufacturing plant in Sta. Rosa, Laguna which assembles its Almera model.
Najima said the ceasing of manufacturing operations here is in line with the supply chain strategy of Nissan headquarters.
“We will still continue… Also, we have talked to our customers already so we have to go with Leaf introduction in the Philippines this calendar year,” he said.
He added Nissan targets three potential customers for the Leaf model. These are tech-savvy individuals, energy efficiency-conscious companies, and the government.
The Department of Energy has earlier called on public offices to observe energy efficiency and conservation. Cutting fuel consumption and using e-vehicles are ways to save energy.
Moreover, Najima asked for government support for e-vehicle players in the country, adding import duties of gas- and diesel-engine vehicles are lower compared to e-vehicles.
“That’s why we are asking if we can get government support. That is what we are working with some of the government agencies (and) senators,” he added. (PNA)
