Motor Image Pilipinas launches all-new Subaru Forester

MANILA, Philippines — Local Subaru distributor Motor Image Pilipinas (MIP) launched last week at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Hotel Resorts & Casino in Pasay City the all-new Subaru Forester compact crossover. “This is the first which incorporates all of Subaru’s four proprietary technologies which means a safer, more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for drivers and passengers,” said Glenn Tan, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, Tan Chong International Ltd.

The new Forester is built on Subaru’s new Global Platform and features an impressive safety feature called EyeSight Technology. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is the best safety feature to assist drivers during traffic jams and long-distance highway driving especially for emergency braking. This is a signature feature, an advanced driver-assist technology that includes pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management (to avoid SUAs), adaptive cruise control, lead vehicle start beep alert, lane departure and lane sway warning.

Both the Subaru Global Platform and EyeSight are key components of the four Subaru Core Technologies, which include Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer Engine. The new Forester also has a Special X-Mode function, which makes it easier to handle the car when there is flood or mud.

One of the unique features on the 2019 Forester is the Special X-MODE function which elevates driving performance on difficult terrain for greater convenience and safety over varying road conditions. The Hill Descent Control function also helps drivers maintain low speeds on downhill slopes. 

The new Forester will be available in three variants:

Forester 2.0i-L – P1,598,000

Forester 2.0i-L EyeSight – P1,698,000

Forester 2.0i-S EyeSight – P1,798,000

MIP also announced their plans for 2019, which include new customer experiences initiatives, from pre- purchase to aftersales, and a significant network expansion. The plans were announced in conjunction with a global partnership deal signed between Motul, a world-class French oil company which develops and sells engine lubricants.

Tan said that the Filipino customers have been strong supporters of Subaru that he has extended the brand and this is why he is announcing the Motul collaboration here in the Philippines which is one of the major initiatives of delivering the best customer experience in the market by providing the best engine oils in their aftersales operations.

The new licensing and partnership with Motul deal signifies Motor Image’s long-term commitment to provide quality aftersales products for the Subaru customers.

Subaru in the Philippines is serious in its network expansion by doubling its current network of 19 branches and dealerships in the next 12 months. This will increase the brand’s presence throughout the country and improve convenience for customers with more service centers across the country. The current network covers the key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and the expansion aims to include Calamba, Tagum, La Union, among emerging cities.

Aside from the network expansion, one of Subaru’s exciting new tech is the consumer experience within the showrooms and in aftersales. New facilities and new gadgets will be soon featured for guests and customers of Subaru showrooms.

Subaru will be the first car company in the Philippines to have next-generation showrooms that will be more family- and retail-friendly and provide a warm, non-intimidating experience to all customers. They will include several new initiatives and leverage technology to improve the customer journey and have:

(L-R): Motor Image’s Mike Luyun, Turbozone’s Marnie Manicad, MIP’s Uzzi Asuncion, Motul and Autoplus’ Carlos Gono, the author, The STAR’s Manny de los Reyes, Summit Media’s Jeff Reyes. 

Interactive orientation kiosks that allow customers to self-guide through the showroom if they so desire.

Technology bar for customers to use tablets to visualize and customize their desired Subaru vehicles

A Virtual Reality room with specially developed software to enable customers experience ‘test-driving’ popular vehicle models that may not be available in the showroom

A newly designed forest-themed play area the “Subaru Loves Children and Babies”

The company will embark on a new brand campaign - All Heart - in February 2019 in the region with a series of commercials. These commercials aim to showcase the values of the brand, focusing on families, friends and relationships. For Motor Image, customers are part of the Subaru family, and providing the best customer experience requires sincerity and integrity. Aside from the marketing campaign for All Heart, Motor Image will be planning various customer activities that are associated with their lifestyles, around – music, pets, fashion and sports.