Bermaz to take over Mazda Pasig dealership

MANILA, Philippines – Bermaz Auto Philippines Inc., the distributor of Mazda in the country, is taking over the Japanese car brand’s retail operations in Pasig under a deal with automotive dealer Inchcape Philippines.

In the transaction on Wednesday, Inchcape said its retail arm, ICATS Asian Motors Inc., signed an agreement to transfer the Mazda Pasig C5 dealership to Bermaz effective Aug. 1.

READ: Berjaya group eyes deal with Mazda Motor to set up auto distribution in PH

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The parties did not disclose the value of the transaction.

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Inchcape stated that the sale is part of its strategic approach to active portfolio management, keeping the business aligned with its long-term priorities in the Philippines.

In the country, Inchcape will continue representing Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram, Jaguar Land Rover, Changan Auto and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

Meanwhile, the acquisition gives Bermaz direct control of the Pasig dealership as Mazda Philippines seeks to strengthen its local presence.

“We look forward to continue building on Mazda’s presence in the market and supporting the brand’s continued development in the Philippines,” Mazda Philippines president and CEO Steven Tan said in a statement.

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In 2023, Mazda appointed Inchcape to operate the Pasig dealership. The facility sits on a 2,343-square-meter property along C5 and opened with six service bays.

Tempered demand

Data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. showed, higher fuel prices dampened demand and dragged Bermaz’s Mazda sales down 8.5 percent year on year to 582 units from January to May.

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The bright spot, however, was its hybrid lineup, whose sales climbed 26.5 percent year on year to 196 units during the five-month period.

Inchcape Philippines is a joint venture between London-based Inchcape plc and the CATS Group of Companies. The British automotive distributor acquired a 60-percent stake in CATS from tycoon Felix Ang in 2023 as part of its expansion in the Philippine market. /pai INQ

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