Story & photo by Ronald Rey M. de los Reyes
VOLKSWAGEN Philippines, in partnership with The Laus Group of Cos., officially opened their its dealership in Central Luzon located along MacArthur Highway in San Fernando, Pampanga.
The said hub of the north represents the sixth dealership of Volkswagen Philippines’s nationwide network. With its first five dealerships in the country, Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City; Quezon Avenue in Quezon City; Sheridan in Mandaluyong City; Molito in Alabang, Muntinlupa; and Cebu City, the Pampanga showroom serves as a strategic point that would cater the market from the central all the way to the farthest tip of Luzon.
John Philip Orbeta, Volkswagen Philippines president and CEO, conveyed that the said dealership is expected to push the brand more aggressively in the said areas, which are considered as fast-rising automotive markets showing strong demands for premium segments. “The Philippine automotive industry has entered into a stage of rapid growth, in what may be called the golden age of motorization, wherein the Filipino motoring public has more access to more dynamically designed, more powerful and safer vehicles,” he shared.
“The people of the progressive province of Pampanga have played a key role in this growth, and this is, in large part, due to the efforts and expertise of our partner The Laus Group,” Orbeta added. The 40-year company has, in fact, been the driving force of automotive growth in these regions since 1978. San Fernando, Pampanga Mayor Edwin Santiago was actually elated with the endeavor.
“We are grateful that Volkswagen has invested in our city and because of this the car industry in this part of the county continues to grow,” he warmly stated. With the leadership of the Laus Group, Volkswagen Philippines is confident that its products will flourish within the area.
In fact, at the helm of the five-vehicle display showroom center is his daughter, Managing Director Diorella, who sees a promising future for the German brand in the region. “We see a big potential for the Volkswagen here. We plan to grow together with them and expand some more,” she said.
“There have already been a number of inquiries, especially for the Beetle,” Diorella added. Speaking of the beloved iconic German car, Levy, meanwhile, even admitted that the acquisition of the said dealership was actually more than just the ordinary—it was special. “Aside from the business aspect of this, for me, it’s also more of a personal agenda. Ever since I was young, I was really into the brand.The Volkswagen Beetle was, in fact, my first car given to me by my parents.
“And because of my love for these models, we decided to venture together with the carmaker,” he shared. “The Filipino is actually very familiar with the brand since the German car company was famous back then. With this, I would like to bring back that certain endearment we used to have with them,” Levy said. This kind of affection, no doubt, even more fuels the energy needed to boldly push for the brand.
And with this, as an early treat, discounts were also given away to the public during the formal opening of the affair through a mini-motor show held at the Laus Group Event Center, wherein 15 of the newest Volkswagen vehicles were put up for display, including the much-anticipated Caddy and CC.
Image credits: Rey M. de los Reyes