Volkswagen and the Ayala Corporation, through Automobile Central Enterprise (ACEI), AC Industrials, and ACMobility, have formally ended their partnership after 12 years of collaboration.
Starting in 2013, their time together saw the local distribution of storied nameplates like the Volkswagen Beetle, Polo, Jetta, and the iconic Golf—including the wagon (GTS), hatchback, and GTI variants. Other models offered here were the Touran, Touareg, and Passat, among others.
However, in 2018, Volkswagen Philippines swapped out its legacy models in favor of SAIC-VW products. These Chinese-made models were headlined by the Santana, Lavida, Lamando, and the reintroduction of the first-generation Tiguan.
Volkswagen’s final dealership, located in Bonifacio Global City, will cease operations on September 30.
At the time of writing, the current Volkswagen range in the Philippines consists of the Santana, Santana GTS, T-Cross, Lavida, Lamando, and Tharu. The Tharu was the last all-new model launch under the stewardship of Ayala Corporation. Volkswagen has yet to comment on the future of the brand in the Philippines, but instead, representatives from the brand have shared their gratitude to the Ayala group and their Filipino customers.
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“We value the strong relationship built with ACEI and the loyalty of our Filipino customers. As we move forward, our priority remains to provide uninterrupted service and support, ensuring Volkswagen owners continue to enjoy peace of mind. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and our ongoing commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility in the Philippines,” said Vassil Stavrev, director of sales for Volkswagen Auto Group India and ASEAN.
Current owners may still have their vehicles serviced at the official Volkswagen service centers in Alabang and Pampanga, along with other accredited facilities. Warranty coverages will still be honored at those locations as well.
Just over a month ago, the Ayala had also parted ways with the Maxus brand. It looks like ACMobility, the company’s mobility and vehicle distributorship arm, is fully focused on growing BYD’s customer base and revitalizing the Kia brand in the Philippines.
