ONE of the Philippines’ largest multi-brand automotive and motorcycle groups, AC Motors recently inaugurated its multi-brand dealership AC Motors Centrale in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The one-stop shop facility sits at the center of Metro Manila’s commercial district. Further, it manifests the Ayala group’s readiness to move Filipino motorists towards the future of mobility.
“AC Industrials’ automobile and motorcycle distribution and retail businesses have been an integral part of the Ayala group for the last 30 years, enabling AC Motors to provide mobility solutions for the Filipino people. AC Motors Centrale showcases the combined strengths and synergies of our automobile and motorcycle portfolio and will play a pivotal role as we enter the next stage of mobility, electrification. This venue will become a part of our sustainable electric vehicle ecosystem, allowing our customers to comfortably enjoy the EV models which we will soon be introducing,” said ACI president and CEO Arthur Tan.
Situated on a 3,000-sq.m space at the corner of 28th street and 9th Avenue, it showcases the company’s various automotive brands: Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, and Kia. Even motorcycle brands KTM and Husqvarna have been incorporated. AC Motors Centrale highlights each brand’s strengths and product rosters and showcases the company’s new ventures.
Representing Isuzu Philippines Corp., company president Noboru Murakami graced the event and expressed his support for the Ayala group as a dependable partner. Isuzu BGC Gallery Branch Head Eric Wambangco explained the leading trackmaker’s latest business solution, the Isuzu Truck Rental Program, highlighting the numerous business and practical advantages of renting Isuzu’s reliable and cost-efficient trucks. It includes eliminating collateral or mortgage fees and maintenance worries, mitigating asset risks, and flexible end-of-term options for up to seven years.
Honda Cars Philippines President Masahiko Nakamura, meantime, expressed that the new venue showcasing Honda’s world-class vehicles, featuring the elements of its new visual identity and bringing to life Honda’s branding design philosophy, will move visitors to anticipate the joy of experiencing Honda. In the meantime, Honda Cars Makati Inc. (HCMI) Chief Operating Officer Steve Gingco announced the digital innovations designed to improve the efficiency of dealership operations and enhance the customer experience. He also explained that HCMI is the first Honda dealership to employ a video messaging app that lets customers update their vehicle status. At the same time, they are being repaired or undergoing preventive maintenance services. In addition, HCMI will pioneer a tree-planting project for every Honda car sold, which would eventually be implemented in other AC Motors’ automobile brands.
As for Kia Philippines Motor Corp., company president Emmanuel Aligada revealed that Kia Philippines would soon be “unboxing” a new model to embody Kia’s advances in technology and innovation. Iconic Dealership Inc. (IDI) Chief Operating Officer Bob Anthony Palanca, for his part, expressed IDI’s commitment to being a leading dealership in the Kia network through targeted customer engagement and footprint expansion.
On the other hand, Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (Volkswagen Philippines) president Felipe Estrella spearheaded the brand showcase as he laid out plans to strengthen Volkswagen’s SUV lineup further, as shown by the positive market reception of the T-Cross. Additionally, to offer special cashback offers and financing schemes. Palanca, also the COO of Ayala-owned Volkswagen dealers, announced the kickoff of a limited-time promo, a unique auction program on the Santana compact sedan, in connection with the inauguration.
AC Motor’s two motorcycle brands are known for their go-anywhere prowess and pure street performance. KTM features the latest models and a complete after-sales and service experience. Husqvarna, meantime, also shared the floor, with models featuring progressive and refined designs with chassis shared with KTM. KTM BGC is the number one dealer for the “Orange brand” in the country, with the distributor, Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the leading exporter and manufacturer of both KTM and Husqvarna in the region.
Meanwhile, AC Motors Trade+ is an auction-based service for new buyers and existing owners that streamlines the entire process of selling used cars, offering just a five-day turnaround time from inspection to auction and payment. Customers could also trade in vehicles from any brand. AC Motors is the first dealer group in the Philippines to launch this used car program powered by an online automotive portal with one of the country’s largest digital audiences.
Also present during the event was AC Motors Automobile Group president Antonio Zara III. “What sets AC Motors Centrale apart, aside from being able to house all our brands under a single roof and giving customers the ability to choose the vehicle that best suits their needs from a wide range of models, is that we take this experience to the next level by offering AC Motors’ new used car program, AC Motors Trade+, which opens up a whole new world of enterprise and ownership opportunities for our customers,” he said.
Customers’ benefits and membership privileges through the AC Motors Fleet program, Ayala Rewards Circle, and the Ayala Enterprise Circle for small and medium enterprises and large corporations make AC Motors stand out from other dealer groups. Moreover, the company manages one of the most digitized dealer networks, offering seamless digital customer journeys. As much as 45 percent of its current sales have been coursed through its many online portals. The recently launched online financing application tool and highly digitized processes further gave customers a transparent and efficient experience.
Image credits: AC Motors