Rolls-Royce glides to Manila: Opens temporary showroom in BGC

MANILA, Philippines - “You don’t buy a Rolls Royce.. You commission one,” remarked a high-spirited Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, during his opening speech at the inauguration ceremony held in Rolls-Royce’s temporary showroom in Bonifacio Global City earlier this month. This is the first time Rolls Royce is represented in the Philippines, and their entry into the local market is an affirmation of the country’s significant economic growth (about 13.8% growth from 2012 to 2013) and increasingly vibrant car market.

“I am delighted to celebrate the inauguration of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila, in person,” Müller-Ötvös exclaimed. “The arrival of Rolls-Royce in the Philippines signifies our belief in this country’s economy and demonstrates the desire from our discerning customers in this region for the ultimate in super-luxury,” he explained.

Müller-Ötvös was also accompanied by Director of Sales and Marketing Jolyon Nash; Director of Global Communications Richard Carter; Regional Director for Asia Pacific Paul Harris; and General Manager for Emerging Markets-Asia Herfried Hasenoehrl. The global team of directors flew in straight from the HQ of Rolls Royce in Goodwood, Great Britain, and went straight to the Global City showroom immediately after their arrival at the airport that day… and despite getting caught in very heavy traffic en route, they remarked that there indeed was no better way to get stuck in Philippine traffic than in a Rolls Royce.

There to welcome the British contingent to the Philippines for the first time were Rolls Royce Cars Manila President Willy Tee Ten and Senior Vice President Mike Cua. The appointment of the ‘authorized importer-dealer’ title to British Bespoke Automobiles took effect June of 2013, and is consistent with Rolls Royce Motor Cars’ expansion plans in the Asia-Pacific region. Including the Philippines, the luxurious car brand is now represented in 23 cities across Asia-Pacific (outside of China), which include: Osaka, Bangkok, Taichung, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh as among their latest locations.

The people behind Rolls-Royce expressed that they feel the Philippines is the largest emerging market in the Asia Pacific today, and hence they are very optimistic about making good sales here. “We have opened our first operational space where our customers can design their very own, unique Rolls Royce motor car,” declared Tee Ten. “Commissioning a Rolls-Royce takes time and consideration and we’re pleased to have this space to engage with our customers,” he continued.

Currently on display in the Global City temporary showroom is the first Phantom Series II Extended Wheelbase model in the country. This however, is only a template, as all Rolls Royce cars are built-to-order, and thus highly personalized with no two units ever exactly alike. What they all have in common though, is a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty for every new Rolls Royce purchased. Also 24-hour roadside assistance for the first four years regardless of mileage, and service and maintenance covered by a Rolls Royce service package.

As we all know, the Rolls Royce brand is famous for its ultra-luxury and impeccable ride quality. When asked about how a Rolls Royce could adapt to the bad road conditions of the Philippines, and how much of a compromise it would make in terms of ride quality, the global directors were quick to say: “There will be no compromise in the ride quality of a Rolls Royce in the Philippines… it shall still deliver its promise of providing that magic carpet ride experience.”

This year Rolls Royce Motor Cars celebrated its 10th anniversary in its manufacturing plant in Great Britain. All Rolls Royce units will be custom-built in the United Kingdom and eventually shipped to its destination country.

The temporary Rolls Royce Manila showroom is located in 4th Avenue corner 26th Street in Bonifacio Global City. Their 2013 product range includes the Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Coupé, Ghost, Ghost Extended Wheelbase and soon the Wraith.