Motoring Today Column

Jul 12, 2017

The much-awaited all-new 5-Series was exclusively launched last July 4 at theGlobe Theatre, Bonifacio Global City first to the motoring media during lunch, followed by another unveiling in the evening to dealers, customers and friends by Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC), the official importers and distributors of BMW vehicles in the country.

Touted as the "ultimate business athlete", the all-new 5-Series, which is now in its 7^th generation is presented by BMW Philippines as the vehicle "that's just as good to ride as to drive, the progressive business sedan for those who work hard and party hard."

"The 5-Series has been one of the strongest products in our portfolio. In the Philippines, it contributes about 20% of our total sales volume annually and we're very excited that we finally have the all-new model in our shores and Filipinos will now get the chance to dive home a BMW 5-Series," remarked Ms. Maricar Parco, the lovely lady president of ACC.

The all-new 5-Series have three variants available in the country, namely, a 520d variant in Luxury trim and another inM-Sport, which are both powered by a 2-litre BMW twin power turbo diesel engine and the top-of-the-line 530d luxury with a 3-litre BMW twin power turbo diesel engine.

In an impressive presentation emceed by radio and TV personalityJinno Rufino, BMW Philippines, marketing directorKarl Magsuci described the 7^th generation of the all-new BMW 5-Series as the "ultimate business athlete that's just as good to ride as to drive" .

During the media launch of the all-new BMW 5-Series, after much industry speculation fueled by perennial coffee shop talks and by press releases from neither of the parties involved, the demure yet very dynamic president of Asia Carmakers Corp. confirmed the much talked about but never corroborated merger of BMW Philippines, under the management umbrella of the Alvarez Group headed byPalawan GovernorJose Ch. Alvarez and San Miguel Corporation lead by business tycoon and known car enthusiast, Ramon S. Ang.

In my exclusive one-on-one, on camera interview, Maricar, the darling of the motoring media for her ever-accommodating demeanor long before being the lady CEO of BMW Philippines and even up to now said, "BMW continues to poise itself to be the market leader in the country. We have been the luxury brand market leader for 14 years running now. We would like to continue to do so and to do this we feel that we also need to strengthen the organization. With that, yes, we will have some changes in the organization. We will have a group joining us very soon. That will be San Miguel Corporation. We will be joint venture partners."

This may also end speculations on whether the well-known astute businessman who steered SMC to being presently the country's largest conglomerate would take on the top-selling premium luxury automobile brand on his own or by way of any of the huge business enterprises he presently heads.

Most industry observers are of the belief that this newfound synergy between its present dynamic management and the incoming stakeholders could bring BMW Philippines to greater heights.

I can only have kind words for corporate entities that show concern and compassion to our country's populace through their CSR projects especially if they are geared toward the marginalized youth who can't choose their parents to be wealthy to afford whatever they need while growing up.

Suzuki Philippines recently demonstrated its continued support to aspiring Filipino football players and stronger partnership with the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation by distributing soccer balls and other items toGawad Kalinga's sport program Sipag.

"Suzuki Philippines is honored to be part of such a heartwarming cause that aims to build up young and aspiring football players. It is important for them to be raised and trained this early, and Gawad Kalinga has given us this wonderful opportunity to be part of these young children's lives," Suzuki Philippines General Manager Shuzo Hoshikura remarked during the turnover ceremonies held last July 5.

Way to go, Suzuki Philippines!

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Happy Motoring!!!

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