The Metals Industry Research and Development Centre (MIRDC), which operates under the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DoST), has launched a new automotive component testing centre in the country, according to a statement posted on the MIRDC's website. The new testing centre – located in Bicutan, Taguig – began operations on 18 June. The centre houses about 30 pieces of equipment, performing different testing services for automotive and other metal-related industries, such as hardness measurement of metallic material and rubber, thickness measurement of base metal, simulated crash analysis, tyre endurance testing, and accelerated corrosion tests. Florante Catalan, the chief of MIRDC's physical laboratory section, said, "The reason why this project was conceptualised is to address the challenges faced by the automotive industry firms, both assemblers and parts manufacturers, in terms of product improvement.".
Significance: The opening of the new automotive component testing centre is a positive development after the Philippines recently approved a Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) programme in a bid to boost the country's position as a leading vehicle manufacturing destination. Under the new policy, the government plans to offer incentives to local original equipment manufacturers, while levying higher tariffs on imported fully built vehicles. The CARS programme has already begun to receive endorsements, with major automakers including Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Nissan announcing plans to increase production operations. The government's attempt to create in-house testing centres is in line with the expected uptick in domestic vehicle output in the coming years.
