Post-Valentine love with Volkswagen

My February 15 post-Valentines’ day was spent with most motoring journalists at a dinner hosted by Volkswagen (VW) Philippines at the Enderun’s Atrium in McKinley Hill, Taguig City. And while Valentines’ day had already passed during our gathering, there was a lot of love to go around with, and for, VW Philippines.

I was immediately caught by the love bug when I saw the new VW Beetle in striking red color displayed at the Atrium’s garden. 

Inside, our attention was caught by VW Philippines’ new President and CEO Arthur R. Tan. While Tan officially assumed the leadership in VW Philippines on January 1 this year, his executive track record includes being President and CEO of AC Industrial Technology Holdings, Inc (AC Industrial) to which VW Philippines belongs. 

AC Industrial was formed in 2016 to combine Ayala Corporation’s manufacturing and product development arm (Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc) and automotive electronics sector (AC Automotive group which carries VW, Honda, Isuzu and KTM). 

Before Tan took over, former VW President President and CEO John Philip Orbeta expanded its dealership network to eight branches nationwide. Sales grew by 76 percent,  making Volkswagen the Philippines’ number one European car brand in 2016. 

Globally, Volkswagen claimed another achievement last year. VW Philippines Chief Operating Adviser Klaud Schadewald proudly announced that Volkswagen officially became the world’s largest automaker in 2016 after it delivered 10.3 million cars worldwide.

With Mr. Tan at the forefront, VW Philippines announced its intention to double its 2016 performance. 

Part of VW Philippines’ strategy for 2017 is to add new vehicles in the premium commercial segment such as the Caddy, the Crafter, and the T6 Kombi. Apart from the new version of the iconic VW Beetle, the Philippine market will also be seeing new versions of the Jetta, the Golf, and the Tiguan. Schadewald added that, “there will be new cars in the entry-level segment that still retain the world-class German engineering, heritage, and automotive craftsmanship Volkswagen is renowned for.”

Volkswagen’s impressive performance in 2016 is an indication of sustained and growing love for VW’s cars globally and in the Philippines. Can we expect this relationship to continue? VW Philippines’ new President is off to a positive start as he declared: “I remain very optimistic about our prospects this year…. I am looking forward to a more dynamic and stronger Philippine automotive industry in 2017.”