There could be a new player in town with its volume requirement not even reaching tens of thousands.

Just after being introduced on Philippines shores, Russian automaker GAZ revealed that part of its plan is to put up a manufacturing plant in the country.

During an interview, Fernando Martinez, chairman and CEO of Gazelle Motors Corporation, GAZ’s official distributor in the Philippines, said that part of the deal between the company and the Russian truckmaker is to put up a manufacturing plant when it reaches the 2,000-vehicle annual sales mark in the country.

“If we arrive at the right amount and right numbers (volume), we can (put up the manufacturing plant locally),” the Gazelle Motors chief said.

When asked if they are targeting to hit the said volume, Martinez told CARMUDI PHILIPPINES that they are hoping to reach it.

For their part, GAZ Group Sales Director for Asia Kristina Dubinina affirmed the said goal for the Philippine market. “When we reach the volume, we will definitely help with the creation of the local manufacturing plant.”

Based on the target, Gazelle Motors needs to sell around 13 units per region over the course of one year.

Martinez expressed optimism for the local market, saying that the introduction of the GAZ lineup, which is set to be completed in time for the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), is very timely with government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

The Russian brand’s initial lineup includes the Gazelle Citiline, which can be adjusted to a 20-seater passenger vehicle, and the Gazelle Next Van.

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