Volkswagen Philippines to add more dealers, discloses plans for 2019

Volkswagen Philippines, under Ayala Corporation’s AC Automotive, is giving everyone an idea of what’s in store for the company in 2019. 

1,363 VW units were sold in 2018. 1,363 VW units were sold in 2017. Consistency from the German automaker is remarkable considering the excise tax went into full effect for automobiles in 2018. This year however, Volkswagen is coming back and shooting for a 50% increase in its sales. 

Coming from the acquisition of Kia Philippines, AC Automotive’s Volkswagen brand is vowing for top sales performance after its consistent sales in the past two years. The brand’s newly-appointed president, Felipe Estrella III, gave a speech detailing his vision for the Volkswagen brand in the Philippines. 

Offering an already strong lineup of cars to cater to some of the most popular categories in the Philippines, Volkswagen offered a completely revamped five car lineup last year. VW PH also offers three-year warranties for all of its customers as well as dedicated support for all models. 

With the entry price to a European brand car as low as it is because of VW, the company offers Filipinos value for money at every segment. Starting off with the Santana, priced at P686,000, the company wants to give everyone the opportunity to drive European and to experience the quality and joy of owning and making memories with their very own VW automobile. 

There is no word yet on the new models that will be offered in the archipelago. Speculations peg these models to come from VW’s Chinese domestic market lineup. One of the models that is speculated but somewhat unlikely to come is the Volkswagen T-Roc diesel crossover. 

Introduced back in 2017 as a European model, the SUV will be running a choice of 2 diesel engines. A 1.6L TDI capable of 113 hp or a 148 hp 2.0L TDI, with the 2.0L mill receiving an all-wheel-drive option. 

More likely is the Santana Cross, a raised version of VW’s sedan. The Tiguan L is also a likely candidate. A seven seater with a long wheelbase could be what Volkswagen needs to get a better foothold in the market. Perhaps the Teramont, another seven-seater, can also make it ashore on Philippine soil.