THE band Chainsmokers and rising female song artist Halsey might have sent shivers down one’s spine with their piece, “Closer”, as they imparted a powerful message of “staying young forever”—the feeling of living in the moment, that euphoria, a synergy of rushing emotions from a thought of forever being captured in a capsule of time, all running vividly in one’s fancy. Thus, this same sentiment is what Adventure Cycle Philippines Inc. (Acpi), official local distributor of Austrian motorcycle company KTM, is trying to invoke. Recently, they just opened their flagship store in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and started painting the town orange.
The color orange, per se, which this particular motorcycle outfit is known for, is an expression of life, adventure, fun and the outdoors—the things we do in our very existence that keep us young and full of energy.
In their launching ceremony, wherein hundreds of guests were in attendance, Acpi Chief Operating Officer Dino Santos was there to warmly welcome them and introduce the authorized KTM dealers nationwide.
“This is just the beginning for the Philippines. Our goal is to build motorcycles by Filipinos and have the Filipinos ride these, as well,” he said.
At the same time, electrifying the crowd and shooting their spirits up was KTM’s own bike stunt rider Slovenian Rok Bagoros, whose one-of-kind jaw-dropping performance just left everyone in absolute awe.
This European stunt bike champion, whose motto in life is: “Dream big, never give up,” was an inspiration, not just among the young, but to everyone who attended the inauguration.
Meanwhile, Ayala senior management and AC Industrials Technology Holdings Inc. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Vice Chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala were present, while, at the same time, tagging along their families to show full support.
AC Automotive Distribution and Retail Group Head JP Orbeta was also there to share his thoughts on how the Austrian Embassy was key to this partnership.
“We are excited to bring Europe’s most respected motorcycle brand to the country,” he conveyed.
AC Industrial Technology Holdings Inc. President and CEO Art Tan, on the other hand, said, “We found a true partner who believed that we can change the fate of a country that looks beyond a service-backed industry but into a manufacturing-based industry.”
“Transitioning and believing in the Philippines and that all the capabilities in the country is enough to be competitive on a global scale. Right now, we are embarking on this first step and we feel that this is a small step for what we can achieve not only as a company, but as a country,“ he added.
Acpi aims to have a “One KTM” philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of the same pricing, the same look and feel, and an overall One KTM experience in all of its stores nationwide.
With outlets that feature a wide range of motorcycles, accessories and apparel, the company intends to open 35 dealerships through its partner-dealers.
Hence, remember the brand and what it stands for, and while you’re at it, you might as well remember that age is nothing else but a number.
Image credits: Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes