Chinese carmaker to export cheap cars to RP in 5 months

MANILA, Philippines - China's second largest car manufacturer will start exporting its line of low-priced consumer vehicles to the Philippines in five months but can start as early as Valentine's Day, Malacañang said Thursday.

A Palace statement said Dongfeng Motor Corp. deputy general manager Tong Dong Chen made the pledge at a call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Donghu Hotel Thursday afternoon.

Mrs Arroyo went to Wuhan City in Hubei province before going to Beijing to attend the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Friday.

The Palace statement said Mrs Arroyo had proposed to Tong that Dongfeng Motor start exporting its affordable line of consumer vehicles to enable more Filipinos to own a car.

She told Tong Dongfeng's vehicles could enter the Philippines through the Cagayan port in the northern part of the country, which is nearest to China.

Also, she said the law prohibiting the entry and sale of second-hand imported cars will be fully enforced and thus end the lucrative but illegal sale of these automobiles.

"Responding favorably to the President's proposal, Tong said the first shipment of his company's semi-knocked down (SKD) vehicles would be made in five months," the Palace statement said.

"Good!" Mrs Arroyo responded.

"We will make a date on Valentine's Day to receive your first shipment," she added.