Power Wheels Magazine A Notch Above
FOTON Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI), the exclusive distributor of FOTON vehicles in the country, formally inaugurated the FOTON Bacoor showroom last February 13, 2019. This facility serves as the brand’s 28th dealership nationwide, and the second in the province of Cavite.
“The grand opening of FOTON Bacoor is the latest proof point in the ongoing expansion of our dealer network. It also supports our aggressive growth and commitment to deliver a consistent and world-class customer and ownership experience in both rural and urban areas across the country.” said FMPI President Rommel Sytin.
Located along the stretch of Bacoor Boulevard in Barangay Niog III, the 2,500 square meter facility showcases a completely-furnished vehicle showroom and a state-of-the-art service center with a total of 10 bays designed for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. To cap off, FOTON Bacoor also boasts a display and repair area exclusive for heavy duty trucks.
Known as one of Luzon’s home of major townships and real estate hubs, Cavite also quarters economic zones focusing on food processing, pharmaceuticals, and agribusinesses. Because of these potential markets, Mr. Juanito Tionson, Dealer Principal of FOTON Bacoor, took the opportunity to offer the FOTON vehicles closer to these trading.
When asked how their new business has started, FOTON Bacoor President and General Manager Paul Tionson shared, “It all actually began with a series of coincidences. My father originally intended to lease out the land property to interested players in the automotive industry. After a while, we started asking, why don’t we just try it out ourselves?” Similar to Absolute Advantage Inc. (FOTON La Union) and SteeringWheel Inc. (FOTON Puerto Princesa), Alphamile Automotive Dealers Inc. is also a first-timer in the car dealership scene. He continued, “From there, we came to realize that FOTON, with its diverse and well-positioned lineup, its commitment to help build the nation, and most importantly, its supremely dedicated and supportive people, was the brand that made the most sense for our first venture into the industry.”
In line with its continuous dealership expansion, FOTON Motor Philippines President Rommel Sytin announced, “Our team is truly grateful for the opportunity to offer more of our products and services in Bacoor. The market demand for commercial vehicles outside the National Capital Region is expected to grow even further in the coming years. Having said that, it is our responsibility to reach out and provide our products and services that will make it more accessible and convenient to our customers, wherever they are located.”
FOTON Philippines has a clear plan to deliver notable sales and after sales, as much as the brand eyes to expand business through retail and corporate and fleet sales.
Another is the PUV Modernization Program that aims to upgrade our public vehicle mobility system which provides a huge growth potential with the increasing demand on Light Commercial Vehicles, Light Duty Trucks, Medium & Heavy Duty Trucks and heavy equipment set to support the various infrastructure projects of the government.
When asked about FOTON Bacoor’s vision as a new player in the auto industry, the younger Tionson proudly affirmed, “FOTON Bacoor has an “official” vision statement, but if I were to share with you what it is we really see FOTON Bacoor, Cavite being in several years down the line, it would be more apt to quote Christian Bale’s Batman: I am whatever Gotham needs me to be.”
He further explained, “The greatest pride and pleasure we derive from this endeavor is not the completion of this showroom. It is not the profits we stand to gain. It is not the number of vehicles we sell or service. It is in the confidence that with FOTON, we can be whatever Bacoor, whatever Cavite, whatever our community needs us to be. It is the joy that we provide a balikbayan with an affordable family car, an aspiring UV Express operator with a spacious first van, a Bacooreño entrepreneur with a reliable delivery truck, and a Caviteno contractor with dependable heavy trucks and equipment.”
The name Bacoor is said to have come from the word “bakod”, which means “fence”. This is how Bacoor has traditionally been viewed: a border, a gateway. Tionson added, “I believe that together, we can play our part in driving Bacoor forward, and push it towards what we know it is and can be – a metropolis in itself and a destination of its own.”
FOTON is currently entering its 12th year in the country, yet the brand has already secured the 9th spot for overall sales in the local auto industry scene — a big leap from 2017’s number 12 position. “With the opening of FOTON Bacoor, we are confident that we can retain our hold of the 9th spot and improve our market share as well.” said Sytin.
“I would like to thank Alphamile Automotive Dealers, Inc. for trusting the brand. Choosing FOTON as your first car dealership business is a flattering and promising milestone from our end. Expect our team to continuously support you in redefining, and providing quality products and services to our customers in the Southern Tagalog Region.” closed Sytin.
By the end of 2019, FMPI is targeting the opening and operation of 34 dealerships nationwide. FOTON dealerships will soon land in Congressional Avenue, Pasig, Metro Clark, Bacolor, Tagbilaran, and Iloilo.
FOTON is known as Asia’s largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles including passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, heavy-duty trucks and heavy machineries. For inquiries, call (02) 459-2121 or 0999-9999998. You may also visit their website at www.foton.com.ph.