A changing of the guard has taken place at the helm of the country’s automotive industry. After fourteen years of dedicated service, Atty. Rommel Gutierrez stepped down as President of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), passing the torch to Jose Maria “Jing” Atienza, a seasoned executive from Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation.
The formal handover, a milestone event marking CAMPI’s 30th anniversary, was filled with heartfelt gratitude and forward-looking ambition. Atty. Gutierrez, reflecting on his tenure, spoke of the invaluable relationships forged within the industry, acknowledging the mentors, advocates, and friends who had supported him throughout his journey.
CAMPI now represents a powerful collective of 29 member companies, and under Atty. Gutierrez’s leadership, navigated a challenging 2025 – a year marked by political, economic, and natural disruptions – to achieve nearly half a million units in consolidated sales. Despite headwinds, the industry demonstrated resilience, culminating in its strongest monthly performance since 2017 last December.
Mr. Atienza inherits a robust organization committed to a “renewed strategy” built on four foundational pillars: embracing technology and innovation, prioritizing sustainability, championing road safety, and fostering industry development. This strategy aims to position the Philippines as a competitive force in the global automotive landscape.
A significant trend highlighted during the transition was the surge in electrified vehicle (xEV) sales, which jumped to 12% of the total market – a remarkable 142.5% increase compared to the previous year. This growth, alongside a 7% rise in commercial vehicle sales, signals a shifting landscape in consumer preferences.
While passenger car sales experienced a dip, Mr. Atienza remains optimistic, projecting a potential for reaching 500,000 units in sales this year. He attributes this potential to aggressive promotional campaigns and the introduction of new models, particularly in the electrified and commercial vehicle segments.
Mr. Atienza emphasized the strength of the underlying market, acknowledging that consumer confidence remains a key factor in sustained growth. He also lauded the contributions of Atty. Gutierrez and the CAMPI leadership, recognizing their efforts in establishing a solid foundation for future success.
Looking ahead, Mr. Atienza outlined key priorities for CAMPI’s 30th year, including collaboration with the government to promote manufacturing, enhance vehicle safety standards, and invest in workforce development programs through TESDA and the Department of Education.
The continued growth of electrified vehicles is anticipated, driven by the introduction of new models and increasing consumer demand. Furthermore, recent assurances from the government regarding the funding of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program have been welcomed by the industry.
Mr. Atienza underscored the importance of the RACE (Revitalizing the Automotive Industry for Competitiveness Enhancement) program, viewing it as essential for attracting investment and fostering increased local manufacturing activities. He envisions a collaborative approach with government agencies to create a favorable environment for automotive production.
Ultimately, Mr. Atienza expressed his hope for a thriving manufacturing sector in the Philippines, recognizing its significant contribution to the economy and society. He believes that establishing a predictable and competitive investment climate is crucial for realizing this vision, paving the way for a brighter future for the Philippine automotive industry.
