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  

Volkswagen Philippines Grandeur Launch and Weekend Display

If you were to ask me, I most definitely had fun during the launch of Volkswagen Philippines.

And even more when I had the chance to bond and chat with fellow bloggers like Flow Galindez and Richard Paglicawan while we were on our way to Ayala Museum for an after party.

But you see, there's something more about re-establishing Volkswagen's presence in the Philippine market. And it's safe to say that it wasn't just me and my friends who had fun and were so thrilled to welcome Volkswagen back in the Philippines, but almost everyone!

Like these few Tweets, from a thousand more, posted on Twitter.

After the grandeur launch last September 27, the fun continues as Volkswagen cars were display at Greenbelt Park from September 28-29.

Along with the Win A Car promo where participants can get a chance to win and be the first owner of the 21st century Volkswagen Beetle by online registration and answer seven (7) trivia questions scattered on most Volkswagen car display at Greenbelt.

Here are some photos I borrowed from Instagram:

On top of it, a Volkswagen Ecological Driven Photo Booth were set up for families and friends to enjoy.

Just look at those smiles! :)

Bands like Pedicab and RJ Jimenez rocked the weekend as the crowd enjoyed their music while finishing their trivia questions to win the 21st Century Volkswagen Beetle!

Kids and kids-at-heart were also at the Racing Pavilion playing the VW racing games.

So there you go! Need I say more? :)

Volkswagen Philippine's first dealership showroom is now open and located at 938 28th Street City Center, Bonifacio Global City Taguig.

Get directions and site map here.
Request a dealership or test drive here.

For questions and inquiries, contact (632) 556-9867

Follow Volkswagen Philippines on Twitter and on Facebook page. 

 www.volkswagen.com.ph

Related article:

Volkswagen Philippines: The World's Best-loved Car Brand is coming back to town! (Part 1) 
Volkswagen Philippines: The Time is Now Grand Launch (Part 2)

Volkswagen Philippines: The Time is Now Grand Launch! (Part 2)

Last Friday, it felt like all roads led to the Ayala Avenue to witness the official and grand launch of the world's best-loved car brand in the Philippines—Volkswagen! 

Volkswagen (VW) is Ayala Group of companies' third auto brand, with investments in Honda Cars Philippines and Isuzu Philippines, that came at a time when the country's economy is on high and upswing.

As promised, let me take you to the grandeur launch of Volkswagen Philippines!
This was my view, so please excuse my photos. :)

But before I continue, WATCH THIS!



President of Ayala Automotive Holdings John Philip Orbeta opened the event and graced all guests.

And introduced Weiming Soh, ASEAN Volkswagen AG President for Commercial Operations, who made a grand entrance by driving a well-preserved vintage Volkswagen beetle.

“The time to come back to the Philippines is now. The Asean market, including the Philippines, is the next frontier for Volkswagen in the Asia Pacific Region. We are very excited to reconnect with the Filipino market, knowing how well loved Volkswagen is in the Philippines. Volks, being a status icon here, as it is around the world, is like no other car before or after.” said Weiming Soh.

He, then, introduced the President and Chief Operations Officer of Ayala Corporation, Fernando Zobel de Ayala who was driving a gorgeous Volkswagen 21st-Century convertible Beetle Cabriolet! 

“We cannot think of a better time to bring Volkswagen back to the Philippines. There is exciting growth in the automotive industry and there is a very positive outlook for the country,” said Fernando Zobel de Ayala.

Volkswagen Philippines plans to open six more dealerships next year, with its first showroom at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig that has currently 28 Volkswagen units and with 70 units more arriving within the next few weeks—with the first service center along Sheridan Street in Mandaluyong City.

And according to Soh, "A strong partner is critical to our success. Hence, I am personally delighted that we have forged an alliance with the Ayala Group. Together with Ayala Corp., let us all celebrate the return of the original ‘People’s Car."

And there's this car show.
It's like a couture fashion show, but in Volkswagen cars!

Showcased during the launch were the Touareg, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Phaeton, Golf, CC, and Polo Hatchback on top of the earlier cars, Beetle Classic and Beetle Cabriolet.

Prices start at P1.295 M for the Jetta 2.0; P1.775 M for Touran; P2.109 M for Tiguan; and P4.29 M for the Touareg.

ASEAN Volkswagen AG President for Commercial Operations Weiming Soh, President and Chief Operations Officer of Ayala Corporation Fernando Zobel de Ayala, and President of Ayala Automotive Holdings John Philip Orbeta

Volkswagen Group is the world’s number two automaker by unit sales, selling over nine million vehicles in 2012, and 4.8 million vehicles in the first half of 2013. The group also owns the brands Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche. 

For more information, visit www.volkswagen.com.ph

Follow Volkswagen Philippines on Twitter and on Facebook page. 

Related article:

Volkswagen Philippines: The World's Best-loved Car Brand is coming back to town! (Part 1) 

Volkswagen Philippines: The World’s Best-loved Car Brand is coming back to town! (Part 1)

That's right! The iconic car brand that was once ruled the streets of Metro Manila, and probably still does in some places in the country, is having a come back and boy, they're launching it BIGTIME—because you might get a chance to win and be the first official owner of a 21st Century Beetle!

But before I give you the mechanics,
let me walk you through on what Volkswagen can greatly offer you.

The beginning of a new era: Modular Transverse Matrix platform (MQB)

In the last few years, Volkswagen has been preparing for this moment. 

A thousand engineers at Volkswagen and many thousands more engineers at the suppliers have been involved in one of the biggest development initiatives in the creation of the matrix platform system, which is intended to secure the future of the Volkswagen Group and will be used in every segment from the Polo to the Passat. 

Everything has been optimized in recent years with an eye to the aspects which matter for the customer and for society, today and in the future: efficiency, safety, comfort, convenience, design and driving pleasure.

Design and package benefit.

The forward relocation of the front wheels results in especially balanced proportions in the design, plus the optimized use of space for the vehicle's occupants: in other words, the package. 

In contrast to the platform concept, a modular matrix principle opens up much more scope for the design of all sorts of vehicles, including emotional niche models—thanks to variable wheelbases or track widths, for example.

Lower fuel consumption and less pollution.

With the entirely redeveloped engine families, consistently trimmed for lower CO2 figures with start-stop recuperation systems as standard, the global innovation of active cylinder management in four-cylinder engines, EU-6 certification and a CNG option, emissions are significantly reduced. 

Several million new customers will benefit in the final development of the MQB. The MQB will reduce CO2 emissions by more than a million tonnes per year. And if you want emissions-free motoring, you can get it from 2013 with a purely or largely (plug-in hybrid) electrically powered Blue-e-motion model.

Reversal of the weight spiral.

On an intelligent mix of materials and ultra-modern construction principles, the MQB will also lead to a reversal of the weight spiral.

More driving pleasure, lower fuel consumption.

More safety and comfort.

The modular matrix principle makes possible around 20 innovations in the areas of safety, driver assistance and infotainment which were previously reserved for the higher vehicle segments. This is not only a positive development for new customers but is also of benefit to other road users.

The high number of vehicles based on the MQB means that we can expect a significant reduction in the number of secondary collisions in real traffic situations. Along with the new active safety systems, the MQB increases passive safety in all models thanks to an improved impact-absorbing structure.

More versatile infotainment options.

The modular matrix principle has also been translated for all the info-tainment systems. This provides the driver with access to functions which until now have only been familiar from higher vehicle classes, if at all.

Vehicles can be equipped with a touchscreen which, thanks to an innovative surface, enables intuitive and safe use of the controls even while driving. This is made possible by a proximity sensor system especially developed for Volkswagen—with the look and feel of leading smartphones and tablet PCs.

Sights firmly set on sustainability.

The modular matrix principle makes the latest sustainable technologies accessible even to new car buyers in emerging markets. Above all, a genuine positive effect for society is achieved by means of innovations that make road transport safer for all road users around the world, and developments which reduce air pollution in every market. 

The high flexibility of intelligent modular systems makes the implementation of regional requirements more feasible.

Exploiting synergies for the present and for the future.

All these aspects help to secure the success of the Group from both economic and ecological perspectives. As a result of the high number of vehicles and customers that will benefit, as well as suppliers to the Volkswagen Group in Europe and worldwide, they also represent a contribution to meeting the social challenges of the present and of the future.

That said, Automobile Center Enterprises Inc. (ACEI), the local distributor of Volkswagen products under the auspices of the Ayala Group of Companies, will officially launch Volkswagen Philippines on September 27 and will be open to public viewing on September 28-29 at Greenbelt Park, Makati City. 

Get a chance to win and be the first official owner of a 21st Century Beetle! 

Here's how:

1) Go to timeforvolkswagen.com and register your name, birthdate, address, email address and mobile number.​

2) ​You’ll receive an email confirmation that contains an exhibit map of the Greenbelt Park display, a participant’s guide on next steps, and a questionnaire and answer sheet.

3) Print out the email confirmation and present it to the registration counter located in Ayala Museum for barcode tagging.

NOTE: Tagging must be done before your journey/activity starts through the exhibit areas. The exhibit will be open from 10 AM of September 28 to 10 PM of September 29.

4) Find all the answers to the 7 trivia questions on the email confirmation by visiting the different parts of the exhibit:

a) Heritage/History Area
b) Brand Video Area
c) Car Displays
d) Volkswagen Plaza
e) Racing Pavilion
f) Innovation Area
g) various entertainment area. 

5) Take your completed trivia sheet back to the registration counter for verification and second tagging to earn you one raffle entry.

NOTE: Contest registration will run until 5 PM of September 29, 2013. You can submit your entry from 10 AM on September 28 until 6 PM on September 29, and the winner will be announced at 8PM at the Greenbelt 3 grounds. 

The winner will be notified via registered mail and will also be pubslished on a newspaper of general circulation.

For more details about the contest mechanics, click here.

World-renowned as the "People's Car", Volkswagen Philippines will introduce its first four car models on the grand launch and public viewing, which I will be writing about, along with the initial SRPs on the Part 2 of this post. 

So make sure to check back! :) 

(To be continued)


Related article: 

Volkswagen Philippines: The Time is Now Grand Launch (Part 2)
Volkswagen Philippines Grandeur Launch and Weekend Display