PHILIPPINE Chevrolet distributor The Covenant Car Co. Inc. (TCCCI) has credited the strong performance of Chevrolet’s passenger cars for its growth in 2011.

TCCCI said its sales increased 36.4 percent year-on-year as it delivered 2,763 vehicles from January to December last year, and cited the rise to the “consistently positive sales result” of the Chevrolet Spark five-door mini hatchback and Cruze compact sedan. The company noted that it posted a 54.3-percent increase in 2010 with 2,025 units sold.

The brand’s Philippine tally contributed to Chevrolet’s astounding global sales, where on average a Chevy is sold every 6.6 seconds, TCCCI said. It added that Chevrolet ownership in the country has grown partly from numerous financing deals like a promotion celebrating the brand’s centennial, as well as on offers such as a five-year warranty.

TCCCI said its efforts last year in developing dealerships also supported the brand’s growth in the country. From the 11 dealerships it had, TCCCI opened five new ones in key areas across the Philippines. The new dealerships opened were Chevrolet Greenhills-EDSA, Chevrolet North-EDSA, Chevrolet Otis-Manila, Chevrolet Cebu and Chevrolet Tacloban, while Chevrolet Cagayan de Oro is expected to start operations soon.

The company said it had already signed on to opening four more dealerships, which should ensure improved access to Chevrolet vehicles. The new facilities will “set the trend for better quality service in the Philippines,” according to TCCCI, which noted that a JD Power survey has ranked Chevrolet as the top car brand in the Philippines when it comes to after-sales services and customer satisfaction.

This year, TCCCI said it will introduce at least two new products—the Chevrolet Colorado pickup and the Sonic subcompact sedan.

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