Volkswagen opens new Iloilo dealership

MANILA, Philippines - Volkswagen, the country’s bestselling European car brand in 2016, has opened a new dealership in Iloilo in partnership with Grand Canyon Multi-Holdings Inc. (GCMI).

The Iloilo dealership is Volkswagen’s second in central Philippines, after Volkswagen Bacolod.

Volkswagen Iloilo is a partnership between Volkswagen Philippines and GCMI, an automotive and car parts dealer established in 2005 with seven dealerships in the city and in Panay Island.

“Volkswagen Iloilo is expected to push the Volkswagen brand more aggressively in central Philippines, particularly in the Iloilo, Capiz, Antique and Aklan provinces of Panay Island—areas where the demand for premium European brands such as Volkswagen has grown strong, especially among professionals like doctors, lawyers, businessmen, overseas Filipinos and seafarers,” Volkswagen Philippines said.

The Volkswagen brand was launched in the country in 2013 under conglomerate Ayala Corp.

Ayala spearheaded the first five dealerships in the country located in BGC in Taguig City, Quezon Ave. in Quezon City, Greenfield District Service Center at Sheridan in Mandaluyong City, Molito in Alabang, Muntinlupa and North Reclamation Area in Cebu City.

Volkswagen Pampanga was the sixth dealership in Volkswagen Philippines’ nationwide network when it opened in 2016.

Volkswagen Philippines was able to break through the 1,000-unit sales mark last year after registering 1,060 units, 76 percent higher from the previous year.

The firm seeks to double its sales this year to a little over 2,000 units as it expects a continued expansion of the Philippine economy.

GCMI, for its part, was founded by a family of Filipino businessmen who are all based in Iloilo and are supporting the development of the area’s automotive industry.