Bank sets stage for car financing fair

Need to take out a car loan? Go to the mall.

In these economically challenging times, banks go out of their way to reach clients who need financing access to get high-ticket items like cars.

One such bank is BPI Family Savings Bank, which is on its 10th year of conducting its Auto Madness gig. This year's campaign kicks off at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City from March 12 to 15. On the same dates, simultaneous events will be held in Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Lipa, Pampanga, and Tagbilaran.

"We gather all the dealers in one area. BPI Family Bank gets to offer a good rate and the dealers will also try to outdo each other and offer the best deals for their vehicles," said David Sarmiento, BPI Family Bank senior vice president for auto and motorcycle loans.

Car companies joining Auto Madness are Audi, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

Aside from the usual display of cars in the different venues, guests can also learn tips for safe driving from the Honda Safety Driving Center (HSDC).

"An HSDC instructor is invited to give a safety talk for 30 to 40 minutes at the Glorietta Activity Center. There's not much that can be done in a short period but at least it is possible to initiate safety issues to those who are curious," said HSDC president Arnel Doria.