The local auto industry rocks!

You can’t see a sad face among the local auto industry players nowadays, what with the sterling sales performance of all as the year comes to a close. And to think that the closing figures for 2014, which are expected to breach the two hundred fifty thousand mark was then just a dream. Even those that are considered as the “new boys on the block” are not doing bad at all if only in terms of their brands being recognizable despite the abundant presence of almost all global marquees in the country each one trying to upend each other by bringing in as many models and variants for the market to chose from. This owing to the numerous industry events held this year, like major international motor shows and multi-brand test drives that bring their products closer to their consumers narrowing the gap between the established brands from the new ones.                   

I’ve been under the weather lately and this made me fail to bring to you through this column (which I missed last week) some of the most significant events in the local motoring industry that are indeed worthy of note. Allow me now to make up.

Top execs here for Ford Alabang launch

Ford Group Philippines (FGP) appears to be really on track to make good their promise to establish an expansive presence in the country after they decided to cease manufacturing operations.

FGP is now one dealership closer to their goal of putting up 37dealerships nationwide when Ford Alabang formally opened its doors recently with top international Ford executives in attendance.

Topping the list of big names was no less than the vice president, Global Dealer and Consumer Experience, Ms. Elena Ford, who had this to say, “This new Ford Alabang facility, like all Ford dealerships worldwide, features a ‘customer first’ design and represents our ongoing commitment to provide a truly unmatched customer experience.”

Dave Schoch, president, Ford Asia Pacific, another Ford top honcho who flew in just for the event had these remarks, ”Ford Alabang is the latest proof point in the ongoing expansion of our dealer network across the Asia Pacific region, helping support our aggressive growth and ensuring we are delivering a consistent and world-class customer and ownership experience in fast growing markets like the Philippines.”

Ford Alabang, which is the largest Ford dealership in the country aside from being one of the largest across the ASEAN region, is a 5-storey facility covering an area of nearly 13,000 square meters that features a 23-vehicle showroom and an 80-bay service center with. It is built according to Ford’s global Brand@Retail II design concept that provides each and every Ford showroom and the service center the same universal image and ambience that is reflective of the world-class Ford brand.

“With the opening of Ford Alabang, we are helping make the Ford brand even more accessible to customers nationwide, allowing us to better serve them and their needs. The quality of customer service we provide is equally as important as the quality of the vehicles we deliver to customers” said Ms. Kay Hart, the very amiable managing director of Ford Philippines.            

Congratulations to Ford Alabang!

Ayala’s multi-brand auto show

I had to wake up early just to be in time for the 9 o’clockopening of the Ayala Auto Fair and it was all worth it I guess, considering that it’s a first ever event for the Makati-based business conglomerate, one of the country’s biggest and oldest and considering its smashing success we just might be seeing more of it in the years or probably even months to come. 

Last November 26, three powerful automotive brands transformed Makati’s urban oasis,the Ayala TriangleGardensto one big exhibit area as Ayala-owned dealers of Honda, Isuzuand Volkswagengot together to showcase the best models that they are currently offering to the local auto market.

Ayala top executives, John Paul “JP” Orbeta, chairman and ceo of Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation and Emmanuel “Manny” Aligada, president and coo of Honda Cars Makati and Isuzu Automotive Dealership lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the momentous event, which saw numerous test drives, inquiries, reservations and closed sales that attested to its high level of success.

More of these to come, I suppose JP? Congratulations!

The latest from Lexus-Manila

It was not actually surprising for Lexus-Manila to come up with a launch of a remarkable automobile model but their recent launch of the

RC350 gave a lot to muse about, especially those that go for almost ultimate sporty driving. I say almost because it’s not the LFA, that’s the ultimate. But for those who have been used to seeing outstanding sedans with sporty looks and performance being launched right at the elegant showroom of Toyota’s ultra premium brand, Lexus-Manila’s dynamic president Danny “Sir John” Isla indeed came up with a sporty surprise with the unveiling of the Lexus RC350. 

What’s sporty?

The RC has been engineered as a stand-alone model, not a 2-door derivative of a sedan counterpart. It’s an aggressively designed 2+2 coup with a 3.5-liter quad V6 engine teamed with an 8-speed sequential transmission.

I find my words to describe this new Lexus offering in the Philippine market wanting so I suggest you drop by the stylish Lexus-Manila dealership and take a very close look at the RC350. Perhaps even a test drive, if there are still models available. You know how fast Lexus models vanish from their showrooms.

If they have run out, you can try their legendary coffee. The gracious Mr. Isla would make sure you’ll have one for free—even cup after cup.

Hyundai joins the surge

A year-on-year sales acceleration of 18% was registered by Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) in October with 1,982 units sold while achieving a sales total of 19,675 units for the first 10 months of the year up by 10% for the same period last year.

“With the Season of Giving fast approaching, Hyundai is thrilled to offer our consumers exciting new offerings and value for money deals” says Ms. Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, HARI’s president and ceo.

Hyundai’s positive sales pace was attributed by the strong showing from the Passenger Car category, which posted a 33% gain accelerated by the models like the Accent, EON and the i10with the Accent reportedly registering the highest sales in the category with a total of 667 units sold in October.

Toyota’s tradition of sorts

TMP’s (Toyota Motor Philippines) president, Michinobu Sugata described the recent media ride and drive as nothing but a bonding experience between TMP executives and members of the motoring media.

Well, the trip turned out just like what Sugata-san, TMP’s rocker of a president described it to be—a bonding experience but he missed out on one word, “culinary” bonding.

It was strictly a “ride, drive and eat” event as a convoy of the Toyota’s array of models made its way to exotic Abe’s restaurant in Pampanga, the ever-popular Matutina’s in Pangasinan and on to Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point for an overnight stay and up to Baguio for lunch at the iconic Mario’s restaurant and an overnight stay at the Baguio Country Club. 

Through this now traditional yearend event TMP wishes to express their appreciation to the members of the motoring media for spreading the word about the local automotive industry.

Look guys, what you are doing is great but as journalists we are just doing our jobs. This is not necessary but very much appreciated.

It’s a little embarrassing to be rewarded for doing what we’re supposed to do anyway, but who’s complaining.

Thanks, TMP.

Eco Drive Marathon on hold

As of this writing (Sunday) the Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Eco Drive Marathon has been suspended for the sake of the drivers’ safety.

The laudable gallant move of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines to put safety above all would stay until Tropical Storm Ruby and the dangers it poses would pass.

The Mitsubishi Mirage G4 Eco Drive Marathon ventures to traverse Luzon to Mindanao on a full tank of fuel to demonstrate the class-leading fuel performance of the Mitsubishi compact sedan.

Happy Motoring!!!

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