The Autohub Group opened its first GAC Motor dealership recently – adding to its already formidable portfolio of brands it distributes or represents.
Located on a busy stretch of Sumulong Highway in Cainta, Rizal, GAC Motor Sumulong adheres to GAC’s international showroom standards, “ensuring a world-class, premium experience for all its customers as a fully equipped 3S facility (sales, spare parts, and service) for a worry-free experience,” said the company in a release.
The marque is overseen here by the Madrid-headquartered mobility giant, Astara. Said Astara Philippines CEO and Country Manager Luis Torres, “We are immensely proud of today’s inauguration as it marks the beginning of our exciting partnership with the Autohub Group, a company recognized for 25 years of automotive excellence. This new dealership is more than just a location; it is a gateway for us to better serve our customers and to provide them with the exceptional service and high-quality vehicles that GAC Motor is known for, especially here in the eastern part of Metro Manila.”
GAC Motor Sumulong is comprised of a 250sqm showroom and 150sqm service area. “This is actually on the border of Cainta and Marikina, so we’re serving two locations,” said Autohub Group President and GAC Motor Sumulong Dealer Principal Willy Tee Ten to this writer.
He continued, “Because of the growth in this eastern part of the metropolis, this is a great location for a brand like GAC. It’s a little premium so it should be near Metro Manila, but at the same time, the price is so nice that you can set up shop a little outside it. And GAC Sumulong is right smack in the middle of Metro Manila and its outskirts.”
The executive commented that, among Chinese brands now in the country, GAC “is one of those that are very beautiful. As far as the models are concerned, they’re really done fantastically and with good, good quality. At the same time, the price is fantastic.”
Tee Ten said that this is just the first of what he expects to be multiple GAC Motor dealerships of the Autohub Group. “Astara is a very professional company. The combination of a good brand together with a good distributor is very, very important to Autohub.” He revealed that the group is open to the possibility of opening more dealerships in the future, but wants to exercise prudence first. “We don’t want to trip over ourselves, but the plan is there, definitely. We want to grow with GAC.”
Meanwhile, Torres shared that with the opening of GAC Motor Sumulong, Astara now has established 24 dealerships for the brand. “Our goal for the year is to have at least 35 locations for GAC Motor by the end of November,” he said exclusively to The STAR. “We are very proud to represent this special brand. Willy (Tee Ten) is a very professional guy who has introduced many brands to the market.” He averred that it is important for Astara Philippines to work with the Autohub Group in order to “build the brand.”
GAC Motor Philippines reported that it is set to open dealerships this year in General Santos City, Subic in Zambales, Congressional Avenue and Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City, Valenzuela City, and Guiguinto in Bulacan.
The executive, who assumed his role five months ago, said it is a challenge for Astara to understand “the way to do traditional business” in the Philippines because it is comprised of many islands and provinces. “But for sure, I’m very happy here,” he concluded with a smile.