We learned something quite significant during the inauguration of Nissan Manila Bay, the latest dealership opened by the Gateway Group.
Apparently only the Gateway Group answered the call from Nissan Philippines, Inc. to support the local launch of the Nissan LEAF.
At the launch, Gateway Group CEO Markane Goho revealed that NPI presented to the whole Nissan dealership network in the country the plan to bring in the Leaf, the mass-market full electric vehicle.
“Only Gateway applied for the EV dealership. No one else was willing to invest,” Goho said.
“Today we are proud to say that Gateway and Nissan are the pioneers of EV in the Philippines,” he added.
Gateway has installed EV chargers in all its Nissan dealerships, four in Metro Manila, including the newest Nissan Manila Bay, one in Cebu, and two in Davao.
Gateway’s wholehearted support for Nissan’s shift toward electrification has not gone unnoticed by Nissan Motors.
No less than Asako Hoshino, EVP and chairperson of Japan-ASEAN Management Committee for Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, was present at the inauguration.
Speaking at the formal opening of Nissan Manila Bay, Hoshino said that “Nissan is truly shifting the focus to electrification.”
Hoshino added that she would like to see Nissan Philippines grow together with Gateway to make the Nissan brand very strong in the Philippines.
In thanking Gateway for supporting the shift to electrification, Hoshino said “I really promise you the support. You will get every support from Nissan — the great team from Nissan Philippines.”
Also at the inauguration was Juan Manuel Hoyos, Nissan Philippines, Inc. president, who thanked the Gateway Group for “for being reliable and dedicated to our company”
“This is a celebration of a partnership, a very strong partnership,” he added.
In a press statement, Hoyos said: “Nissan and Gateway had a wonderful relationship and accomplishments over the years, and I know we can build on those successes as we grow the Nissan brand together.
“Through this dealership we hope to meet the needs of our customers and make our products and services more accessible to them.
“As we continue to expand in the country, we hope to continuously support them and our partners.”
Located at Block 2 Lot 31 Brandco Ave., Aseana City, Paranaque City, Nissan Manila Bay showcases the brand’s latest lineup in its 6-car display showroom and nine service bays to accommodate Nissan vehicles.
Already carrying Nissan’s new logo, Nissan Manila Bay is also equipped with specialized facilities and is staffed by trained experts to serve Nissan LEAF customers.
DPWH’S top honcho
We’d like to wish Manuel Bonoan well on his return to the Department of Public Works and Highways as its new head under the Bongbong Marcos administration.
Bonoan has taken over from Acting Secretary Roger Mercado who himself replaced now senator Mark Villar who headed the department during the Duterte administration until resigning to run for the Senate.
A civil engineer, Secretary Bonoan started his career as a public servant at the DPWH back in 1966 and worked in government until 2010 when he retired as senior undersecretary.
Working in the private sector, Bonoan joined SMC Tollways Corporation which is engaged in the construction, management, and operation of the expressways.
Now back as head of the DPWH, Secretary Bonoan faces the daunting task of completing unfinished flagship projects of the previous administration and push new infrastructure initiatives.
Students ride free
The free ride on the MRT-3 is over, at least for workers and other commuters.
However, President Bongbong Marcos has approved free rides on the MRT-3, the Light Rail Transit Line 2 and the Philippine National Railways for students, at least for the first quarter of the incoming schoolyear or from August to November.
At the same time, the President approved extending free rides on EDSA Carousel buses until the end of the year.
More than 38,000 schools are expected to resume their face-to-face classes for the next school year.
The Department of Transportation said that extending the free rides on the EDSA Carousel and providing free train rides to students will ease the burden of rising living expenses on Filipino families and help them save money – especially with the return of face-to-face classes after more than two years.
The DOTr estimates a daily average of 6,153 students will benefit from the free ride on the LRT-2 and the MRT-3 when schools start in August.
Happy Motoring!!!
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