Ayala dreams big for 2019, sets a sales target of 10,000 units

MANILA: Ayala Corporation, a subsidiary unit of AC Industrials took charge of sales and operation of Kia in the Philippines not so long ago. While acquiring the rights, the officials from Ayala Corporation were very optimistic about the future of the South Korean brand in the country. A relaunch of the brand was also slated by the folks from Ayala.

Now, while preparing plans for the year 2019, the Ayala Corporation has dreamt quite big. By big we really mean ‘BIG’. The new distributor has aimed at selling 10,000 Kia vehicles in the Philippines in 2019. The number might be too big considering the Filipino population and the sales of other automakers, however, the dying sales of Kia cars in recent years leave a lot to worry about. Since 2016, the sales chart inside Kia offices has seen a steep decline. Sales numbers in the last 3 years have been 7,3304 units in 2016, 5,186 units in 2017, and around 3,000 units are expected to be sold by the end of 2018.

Looking at the numbers of 2018, the 37 dealerships across the country would have sold only 81 cars when 2018 ends. Taking the numbers from 3,000 to 10,000 is going to take some effort by Ayala Corporation. In order to rack the numbers up, the Ayala Corporation has come out with a strategic plan. Kia cars will now be made available with mouth-watering finance options. The present showrooms will be improved to provide the customers will world-class services and 3 more dealerships are also set to open in the country. Ayala Corporation will also be taking the help of social platforms to connect with more and more potential customer and lure them with exciting offers.

Kia will also be unveiling three new vehicles in the Philippine market and the prices will be made much more competitive. The brand will also continue offering the 5-year/160,000-kms warranty to its customers. With the new vehicles, competitive pricing, and better strategy, the Ayala Corporation aims to bring back the sales figures to 10,000 units a year, just like what it was in 2015. The new joint venture that includes both Ayala Corporation and the Columbian Autocar Corporation will be headed by Ayala executive Manny Aligada from the AC Automotive dealership business. In January 2019, we will witness the revamped Kia in the Philippines.