Ayala vehicle unit plans more launches

MANILA, Philippines — The vehicle distribution business of Ayala Corp. is planning to launch at least six vehicle models and open six company-owned dealerships within the year in line with its aim to increase its market share by 2025.

“As a show of our confidence and commitment to the industry, our distributor brands are working on launching at least six models (in 2021),” AC Motors automotive group president Antonio Zara III said.

He said the group would also be setting up six company-owned showrooms across the five auto brands in addition to franchised appointments this year.

While the automotive industry has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, he said the group is hopeful of seeing recovery and aiming to achieve at least a combined 10 percent market share by 2025 for all its five brands.

AC Motors holds the exclusive distributorship for brands such as Volkswagen, Kia and Maxus.

In addition, it has dealerships under the Honda and Isuzu brands.

“We acknowledge that the local market still needs to recover from the devastating effects of an ongoing pandemic. But history has shown the resilience of our automotive market, time and again, through all manner of crises – and we are confident that this time will be no different,” Zara said.

He said what gives the group confidence are innovations implemented last year as the lockdowns imposed to contain the spread of the virus brought in changes in the conduct of business and in interacting with customers.

Among the innovations carried out by AC Motors are digitalization of practices, as well as the launch of a one-stop-shop on its website www.acmotors.com.ph.

“By the time the pandemic passes and the industry recovers, we will be more than ready to shift into higher gear,” Zara said.

He added the group is committed to continue to serve customers and offer new products that meet their needs.