Volkswagen Beetle: The Icon Returns in Manila

Following the launch of the Volkswagen comeback in September last year, the surging VW fans' frenzy were answered to bring back the icon in the domestic market.

Last April 2, the third generation of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle has officially brought back to the Philippine market by the Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. (AAHC) through its wholly owned subsidiary, Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (ACEI).

Back left: Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. president and CEO JP Orbeta, Volkswagen General Manager for Sales (Taiwan, Hongkong, ASEAN) Dr. Bjoern Dammerman; Front right: Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. and ACEI chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala

The Volkswagen Beetle was reintroduced to the market in a symbolic dance-down-memory-lane ceremony, since its first production in 1939—the 1950's and 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, the 1990's and 2000's.

And we all know how well it was loved back then, from all generations and cultures, and to say the same in the present generation.

JP Orbeta, president of Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (ACEI) - the official importer and distributor of Volkswagen cars in the country, opened the official launch of the Volkswagen Beetle to the Philippine market at The Mind Museum, Bonifacio Global City.

"The Beetle has always been special to me. I first learned how to drive with a Beetle and will always have fond memories, as I'm sure many Filipinos do. And now, I am extremely proud to be heralding the return of the world's most iconic car back in the Philippines shores", said Orbeta.

The new Beetle breaks free of the geometry of the previous model and displays impressive sports appeal—primarily in its extended bonnet, sharply swept-back windscreen and a longer wheelbase. Modified interior ergonomics have produced an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience in the new Beetle. In addition, it offers a distinctly improved feeling of space with its longer roof section.

Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. (AAHC) and Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (ACEI) chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala graced the guests with his grandchildren as they drives down a 21st Century Volkswagen Beetle.

“We are excited to bring Volkswagen’s innovation and technology to the Philippine market, complemented by an outstanding customer experience... No other car evokes as much nostalgia, tradition, and heritage as the Beetle. As such, I am especially pleased and excited to launch a car as iconic and celebrated as the one we launching... ” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

Priced at P1,790,000, the Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 TSI Design MT with 240 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm (pumps out 160 Ps at 5800 rpm) has new direct injected gasoline engine with turbocharger, 7-speed DSG transmission (seven-speed dual clutch Direct Shift Gearbox), electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, bi-xenon head lights with auto headlight activation and LED daytime running lights.

The VW Beetle 1.4 TSI Oryx White is valued at P1,840,000.

VW Beetle 1.2 TSI Design MT with 175 Nm at 1400 rpm (pumps out 105 Ps at 4500 rpm) has 6-speed manual transmission, new direct injected gasoline engine with turbocharger, electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering, halogen head lights with automatic headlight activation and separate daytime running lights, and priced at P1,590,000.

With a new design and the latest technologies, the Beetle reveals itself as a People's Car of the 21st century—bolder, more dynamic and truly engineered to play.

The Volkswagen BGC showroom is located at 28th Street City Center, Bonifacio Global City and is open from Mondays to Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday and Saturday at 8am-7pm, and Sundays from 9am-6pm.

ACEI plans to open two more dealerships before the end of the year—one in Alabang and one in Quezon City. Currently available in the Philippines are the Volkswagen Touareg, Tiguan, Touran, Jetta, Polo, and the Beetle.

For more information or to request a test drive, contact customercare@volkswagen.com.ph

www.volkswagen.com.ph