Motoring Today Column

Dec 26, 2018

The local motoring media trooped to the Sampiro Function Room of the Fairmont Hotel last December 17 not for one of those commonplace Christmas Parties nowadays but for a much-awaited official announcement-much awaited for almost a year.

AC Automotive , Ayala Corporation's automobile business company operating under AC Industrials (ACI) has announced that it will officially re-launch the Kia brand in the Philippines on January 30, 2019.

It was announced during the intimate press briefing, which had forced quite a number of journalists who are night persons, to wake up early in the morning, that the new Kia Philippines will be led byArthur Tan as Chairman and CEO with Manny Aligada as President.

Arthur also currently heads Volkswagen Philippines while Manny has been with the Ayalas for more than a decade, working with Globe and then much recently with the automotive business managing brands such as Honda and Isuzu.

With the acquisition of Kia, AC Automotive now manages6 brands includingHonda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, KTM motorcycles, and Maxus.

In a very concise yet complete and impressive presentation,Manny expounded that the Kia brand presents the opportunity for AC Automotive to become a more significant player in the Philippine automotive market, as the brand--the oldest and second largest automobile seller in South Korea--is also represented in over 185 countries. Kia's global volumes and multiple assembly sites also assure of steady and substantial volumes and market share in the Philippines. At present, it has a network of 37 dealerships.

Kia 's amiable president who has quite a number of notable years of exposure into the automotive industry expressed that Kia's variety of models also assures AC Automotive that it will be able to satisfy the needs and wants of a broad spectrum of the local car market. As such, Kia in thePhilippines will be positioned as the "approachable everyday companion", a brand identity that mainstream car buyers could immediately relate to as the Kia brand has had a shared history with the everyday Filipino motorist for over 24 years.

Mr. Aligada also declared, "With the Kia business in the Philippines now under ACI's wing, customers can expect an upgraded level of service consistent with global standards, yet still retaining that personal touch."

He added, "Consistent with Kia's global mantra of "The Power to Surprise," Kia Philippines aims to have more dealers in strategic locations and will be actively offering additional relevant models to the market."

The motoring media was also apprised that every Kia dealership will also deliver the Kia Promise to Care Programs, which will ramp up aftersales service quality, competence, and parts availability to provide every customer an exceptional service experience. Marketing and promotional activities for the new models will likewise be heightened both in mainstream and new media.

To the excitement of the journalists present it was also announced that more exciting and competitively priced models will be rolled out, with three new models to be introduced in 2019, to delight customers in all stages of the ownership and maintenance process.

During the presentation it was also assured that asAC Automotive moves forward to re launch the Kia brand, it also aims to strengthen the Kia network and facilities as well as to further improve its operations as part of the next phase. Looking ahead, Kia will adapt new technologies and be aligned with future market requirements. And with this newly established partnership with Ayala, a brand synonymous with trust, quality, and utmost customer care in its nearly 30 years in the automotive business, Kia is poised to realize its full potential in the Philippines.

Hino Motors Philippines, the exclusive distributor of Hino trucks and buses in the Philippines opens a new dealership south of Manila.

Hino Carmona, which will be located along Governor's Drive in Mabuhay, Carmona, will enable HMP to further strengthen its presence in CALABARZON. With Governor's Drive being one of the widest major highways in Cavite, together with Aguinaldo Highway and Antero Soriano Highway, Hino Carmona will be able to serve the different industries in and near the area, including logistics, manufacturing, construction and SMEs.

Hino Carmona will be managed by Lovi Motors Corporation and will be fully equipped for sales, spare parts and service operations in line with HMP's thrust of providing innovative transport solutions.

"The new Hino Carmona will support the growing economy of Cavite and the rest of CALABARZON and the entire country," said HMP Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. "We are looking forward to continue growing our dealership here in CALABARZON and will work with the businesses in order to meet their diverse transport needs. We will keep extending our reach in the country this 2019 in line with our Total Support mantra," he added.

Happy Motoring!!!

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