Philippine automotive manufacturers are now aggressively promoting its products in the ASEAN market starting in Thailand, the region’s automotive hub.

This developed as the local auto parts makers are going to participate for the first time in the Thailand Auto Parts and Accessories (TAPA), the largest auto parts and accessories trade fair in Thailand, reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The auto show is identified as an important sourcing event for international players in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) market. Industry reports say that the ASEAN region has a promising global market for the automotive industry with sales amounting to 2 million vehicles in 2008. ASEAN countries are attracting major investments in vehicle production and because of growing demand; some major auto companies are in want of a production hub in ASEAN next to Thailand.

“The Philippine participation to the event aims to boost the local auto parts sector and highlight the country’s capability in supplying high quality automotive products and services. The participation also aims to bring back the Philippines into its position as a major player in the auto parts and accessories industry in the Asia Pacific,” said Trade Undersecretary Thomas G. Aquino.

Under the Philippine Exports Development Program, Philippine goods including automotive parts are recognized as among the government’s revenue stream projected to grow to $61 billion this year.

Philippine auto parts manufacturers are confident that Thai Auto Fair 2010 to be held on April 28 to May 2 will establish the Philippines as the new sourcing hub of auto parts and components.

“We hope to make an impact in the Thai fair with products that are applicable to the Thai and ASEAN markets,” said Rommel T. Juan, Vice-president on external affairs of the Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Association of the Philippines (MVPMAP).

To date, there are about 256 companies manufacturing auto parts and accessories in the country. Joining MVPMAP are other industry partners including the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council, Inc. (PACCI) and the Philippine Automotive Federation, Inc. (PAFI).