Triple Treat

Volvo celebrated a triple treat of sorts last December 10. Volvo celebrated its 75th anniversary worldwide as it likewise caps its 8th year in the Philippines.

It was in 1924 when Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson started what was to be known as Volvo, the automotive company responsible for producing the world’s safest cars. Twelve million cars and a host of safety innovations later, Volvo celebrates its 75th year worldwide along with the 8th anniversary of Volvo Philippines. Viking Cars Incorporated opened its doors in 1994 and has since delivered 2000 cars into the homes of discerning Filipino families.

The double anniversaries were celebrated to coincide with the inauguration of Volvo’s newest showroom, the Volvo Ortigas Center. Located at the corner of ADB Avenue and Opal Road fronting the Podium and the Asian Development Bank building, the newest dealership features a spacious lobby and an all-glass façade to showcase Volvo’s fine automobiles.

"For years, Volvo has refined the standards of motoring through its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. With this new showroom opening we hope to honor the legacy and preserve it at the Volvo Ortigas Center," stated Annie Tan-Yee, president of Celestra Motors Corporation, the Volvo appointed dealer in the Ortigas area.

Local business and political luminaries graced the inauguration, with Senator Loren Legarda as the guest-of-honor. She led Ms. Tan-Yee, Swedish Ambassador Ulf Hakansson, and Viking Cars president and CEO Albert Arcilla in the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Senator Legarda also proposed a toast to Volvo along with Peter Carruncho and other business leaders.

Arcilla stated that the new dealership reiterates Volvo’s commitment to the Philippine market and honors the values that has transformed Volvo into a solid brand respected within the automotive industry and loved by car owners worldwide. He added that Volvo is pleased to have a new partner and are optimistic about the business in the country.

The festivities included an exhibit of the current Volvo vehicle line-up while the evening was capped with musical entertainment provided by Robert Sena and other talented artists.