TRADE secretary Ramon Lopez has encourage Filipinos to patronize locally assembled vehicles to save the local automotive industry.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), eight vehicle models are being assembled in the country.
Lopez made this call after Japanese carmaker Nissan announced to cease its manufacturing operation in the country.
“There are car companies manufacturing here. We hope that our fellowmen will patronize these cars that are locally assembled,” the DTI chief said in Filipino in a radio interview.
Lopez said the closure of manufacturing facilities of carmakers was affected by the influx of imported cars.
To protect the local auto industry from further serious injury, the DTI has imposed a provisional safeguard measure on imported completely built-up units.
DTI imposes a safeguard measure of P70,000 per unit for imported passenger cars and P110,000 per unit on imported light commercial vehicles.
The trade remedy will be effective for 200 days. (with PNA/PN)
