The automotive industry has agreed to provide discounts and lower prices for services and repairs of parts for vehicles damaged by flood waters brought about by typhoon Ondoy even as the industry faces shortage in their current inventory of replacement parts following the unprecedented number of vehicles that need immediate servicing and is seeking government assistance to facilitate the importation of automotive parts and components.

Elizabeth H. Lee, president of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), said this after meeting with the 13 car assemblers and distributors in the country.

Among the car companies, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) is the first to submit a clear offer of 30% subsidy on all parts, lubricants and 10% on labor charges for flood-related repairs.

Hiroshi Shimizu, president and general manager of HCPI also said that to somehow help ease the burden of its valued customers, Honda also reduced its prices in consideration to the affected motorists of typhoon Ondoy.

Honda has 18 authorized service outlets in the affected areas within Luzon and could not possibly accommodate everybody at one time that affected customers are advised to call first before bringing vehicles to the dealerships to avoid inconvenience.

Customers are also advised to visit the less congested dealerships in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Pangasinan to accept inundated vehicles.

Meantime, Lee said that the industry faces shortage in the current inventory of replacement parts and members are constrained to import the needed parts to cope with the big demand.

To provide an immediate and effective service to the motoring public and alleviate their plight, CAMPI will be discussing with concerned government agencies on possible temporary measures to facilitate the importation of needed parts for the duration of the state of calamity and lessen the cost burden on the part of the motoring public.

Such measures would not only assist in lessening the backlog but would help shorten the waiting time for these parts and most importantly, lighten significantly the already heavy burden being experienced by vehicle owners who have to deal with all the costs of the damage or loss pertaining to their vehicles, their houses and other properties.

The industry, however, is stepping up efforts to assist vehicle owners in expediting the repair and restoration of their vehicles even as we continue to experience a deluge of vehicle in need of immediate repairs,” Lee said.

“In this trying time, the auto industry is doing its best and will extend whatever assistance we can give within our means, targeted at those whose vehicles were damaged by floods,” Lee said.

According to Lee, the discounts and lower prices would accrue to services rendered including labor and cost of replacement parts.

The authorized service centers will also extend working hours including opening on weekends to accommodate vehicles for repairs and service.

Because of the huge number of parts replacements, the dealers are also rushing order and delivery of the needed replacement parts.

Car manufacturers are also making available to their dealers and service shops in other areas outside of Metro Manila to assist in easing the backlogs of vehicles in the event that it cannot be accommodated by Metro Manila dealerships.

Lee said that CAMPI members are devising a system to ensure order in attending to the needs of the customers including the proper scheduling of towing services.

Vehicle owners are advised to deal with their brand’s authorized dealership only to avoid fake or counterfeit replacement parts which will further damage vehicles.

“We advise the use of genuine replacement parts only,” she said.

In case the vehicle cannot be brought immediately to an authorized service shop, CAMPI has come up with initial steps that should be taken to minimize further damage to the vehicle.