MANILA: AC Motors officially opened the AC Motors Centrale in Bonifacio Global City yesterday, June 28. The 3,000-sqm facility, which is located at the heart of BGC, serves as a showroom for AC Motors' four-wheel brands, Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, and Kia, as well as two motorcycle brands, KTM and Husqvarna. AC Motors is a portfolio company of AC Industrials (ACI), Ayala Corporation's holding and investment company for industrial technology, manufacturing, and car distribution and retail operations.

AC Motors Centrale offers a one-stop shop at the center of Metro Manila's commercial district, and demonstrates the Ayala group's readiness to help Filipino motorists transition to 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,” ACI President and CEO Arthur Tan said during the opening ceremony.

In addition to showcasing the strengths and product lines of each brand, AC Motors Centrale will serve as a venue for the company's latest ventures.

“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,” AC Motors Automobile Group President Antonio Zara III stated.

AC Motors Trade+ is an auction-based service that simplifies the process of selling used cars with just a five-day turnaround time from inspection, auction, to payment. Additionally, customers will be able to trade in vehicles from any brand, not just those handled by AC Motors. AC Motors is the first dealer group in the Philippines to introduce a used car program of this kind, which is accompanied by an online automotive portal with one of the largest digital audiences in the country.

What sets AC Motors apart from other dealer groups are the benefits and membership privileges that customers receive through the AC Motors Fleet program, Ayala Rewards Circle, and the Ayala Enterprise Circle for small- and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations.

AC Motors also handles one of the most digitized dealer networks in order to provide seamless digital customer experience. Up to 45% of current sales have been routed through its various web portals. A transparent and efficient experience for customers is further made possible by the recently launched online tool for financing applications and the fully digitalized processes.

The largest Honda and Isuzu dealership networks in the Philippines are managed by AC Motors, and over the past three decades, AC Industrials has fostered strong relationships with Honda Motor Company and Isuzu Motors of Japan through joint ventures for their Philippine distribution operations.

Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Noboru Murakami expressed his congratulations and support to the Ayala group on behalf of the 12 Isuzu branches located in the National Capital Region, Luzon, and Visayas. Isuzu BGC Gallery Branch Head Eric Wambangco presented the Isuzu Truck Rental Program, the truckmaker's latest business solution that highlights the practical benefits of renting Isuzu's dependable and affordable trucks. This includes the mitigation of asset risks, elimination of maintenance costs and collateral or mortgage fees, and flexible end-of-term options for up to seven years. The Isuzu Truck Fest program also offers special “aTRUCKtive” deals for the N-Series, in addition to the following options: free body conversion, insurance, shipping or parts coupons, cash discounts, or low down payment on leasing.

Honda Cars Philippines President Masahiko Nakamura said that the revitalized site showcasing Honda's top-notch vehicles, incorporating elements of its new visual identity, and bringing Honda's branding design philosophy to life will inspire visitors to anticipate the satisfaction of experiencing Honda.  Honda Cars Makati Inc. (HCMI), Steve Gingco revealed the digital advances designed to boost customer satisfaction and increase dealership efficiency. Gingco added that HCMI is the first Honda dealership to use a video messaging app, allowing customers to stay updated on the status of their vehicles as they are being repaired or getting preventive maintenance. Additionally, HCMI will be the first to implement a project that involves planting a tree for each Honda vehicle sold. This will soon be implemented across all of AC Motors' car brands.

Kia Philippines Motor Corporation President Emmanuel Aligada announced that the company will soon be “unboxing” a new model that will represent the brand's technological advancements. More than six months after the local introduction of the new Kia Movement, half of the dealer network will carry the new identity, continuing the “Movement That Inspires” slogan by the end of 2022. Iconic Dealership Inc. (IDI)  Chief Operating Officer Bob Anthony Palanca reaffirmed the company's commitment to become a top dealership in the Kia network through targeted customer engagement and footprint expansion.

The Volkswagen presentation was led by Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. President Felipe Estrella who also laid out plans to further strengthen the brand's SUV lineup in light of the positive market reception to the T-Cross and to provide special cashback offers and financing plans for its German-designed and engineered vehicles in order to make them more affordable for many Filipinos. In parallel with the inauguration, Palanca, who is also the COO of Ayala's Volkswagen dealers, announced the start of a limited-time promotion and a special auction program on the Santana compact sedan.

One of the leading motorcycle brands in Europe is also available at AC Motors Centrale. KTM's flagship store offers the latest models and a comprehensive after-sales and service experience. The floor is also shared by Husqvarna, whose models have refined and advanced styling and a shared chassis with KTM. KTM BGC is the top dealer for the Orange brand in the Philippines, while Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. (ACPI), the distributor, is the leading exporter and producer of KTM and Husqvarna in the region.

AC Motors Centrale is located at 932 28th street corner 9th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. It is open daily, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photos from AC Motors

Also read: AC Motors outpaced industry growth in 2021, outlines plans for EVs and used vehicles