Volkswagen Philippines recently hosted a Media Appreciation Night at the Grand Bar and Lounge of Resorts World Manila. Chief Operating Advisor for VW Philippines, Klaus Schadewald, thanked the local motoring media for their continued support for the company and its products.
Schadewald also took the opportunity to introduce their new President, Felipe Estrella III, who takes over the reigns from John Philip Orbeta. Estrella has been serving as the Head of Corporate Finance & Asset Management and as Executive Director of Ayala Corporation since December 2017.
Estrella welcomed the local motoring media and expressed his gratitude for the support that Volkswagen Philippines has been receiving. At the same time he quickly outlined immediate plans for the company’s growth for 2019.
With the company’s introduction of an all-new lineup last year, which includes the Lavida, Lamando, long wheelbase Tiguan, Santana GTS, and the affordable Santana sedan, Volkswagen Philippines plan to increase sales by at least 50% for 2019.
Estrella also hinted at the introduction of two more models in the next 12 months. Looking at its current portfolio, and considering its partnership with Volkswagen China, we might be looking at the introduction of the Tiguan L and the Teramont.
The Tiguan L is a five-seater SUV based on the second-generation Tiguan, as opposed to its current market offering, which is based on the first generation. The Teramont on the other hand is a bigger SUV that seats seven, is based on VW’s MQB Platform, and will most likely come in to fill the void that the Touareg left.
Hoping to gain more traction locally, the company also plans to open four more Volkswagen dealerships within the year, bringing the total number to 12 from the current eight.
