After successfully expanding its business overseas in Qatar last March, Autobot Offroad Philippines, the premier modification, accessories and maintenance shop for 4×4, off-road, and overlanding vehicles in the country, held a Media Day at the Autobot Headquarters (HQ) in Project 8, Quezon City.
During the event, the Autobot proprietors, brothers Randy and Ken Lao engaged with the motoring media personalities who were present during the “Questions and Answers” informal forum. Here are some of the highlights:
Q & A
- What is Autobot Offroad Philippines and what services does it offer to its customers?
Autobot is a specialty automotive shop that offers aftermarket products and services. It offers aftermarket upgrades and modifications for pickup trucks and SUVs to enhance their use in off-road driving situations, especially in overlanding and 4×4 treks; farm, industrial or business purposes; or simply for personal use and individual customization.
- When and how did Autobot start operations?
Autobot started as a small carwash and detailing shop in 2006 and then evolved into Autobot Autoworks PH after it started marketing car parts and accessories as well as service, installation and modification. Autobot changed as the automotive market trend changed and it does its own research and studies on which products, modifications, and trends are adaptable and applicable to the Filipino customers. With its foray into the off-road market, the company evolved further into Autobot Offroad PH.
- Who are the owners or proprietors of Autobot and what are their backgrounds?
The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Autobot is Randy Lao. After graduating from Ateneo de Zamboanga University, he focused on becoming an entrepreneur, started the 98 Store in Zamboanga City, and franchised ten (10) branches of Charms and Crystals from 2006 until 2012. He runs Autobot with his brother, Ken Lao, who is the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
- How did the owners come up with the name “Autobot”?
Autobot President and CEO Randy Lao is a big fan of the Transformers robots since he was a young boy. When he started the business as a carwash, he decided to name it after his favorite series and the name stuck, even with the customers, who find it endearing.
- What compelled Autobot to go into 4×4 and off-road market?
In 2015, we had a particular client who wanted to enhance his 4×4 vehicle. While working on the build, we came to realize that the off-road segment was a vast and relatively untapped market that’s full of potential. We started to offer parts and services to cater to 4×4, off-road and overlanding enthusiasts as well as to customers who simply want their vehicle to look tough. We always push ourselves to excel in our field so we attended the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA to learn and understand more. It grew by leaps and bounds afterwards.
- Who are the partners of Autobot going into the 4×4 and off-road market?
We are privileged to partner with high-quality brands such as Profender, Fuel, BF Goodrich, Michelin, Nitto Tires, Ridemax, Hamer, Option4WD, TJM, and many more.
- What vehicle is the most popular among Autobot customers? Which vehicle brand and model has Autobot worked on the most?
We’ve worked on, serviced and modified almost all pickup truck and SUV brands and models for our customers. However, Autobot has become known for most of our builds of Ford pickup trucks and SUVs. We’re generally grateful for our customers’ trust and patronage of our parts and services.
- Besides 4×4 and off-road modifications, what other services does Autobot offer to its customers?
We have extended our services to include wheel camber and alignment, wheel balancing, underchassis service, change oil and tune-up, paint and body work, and ceramic coating.
- How many branches or outlets in the Philippines does Autobot currently have?
We have two main branches here in Project 8, Quezon City and seven (7) branches nationwide from as far as North Luzon and Southern Mindanao.
- Does Autobot have plans to increase their local branches or outlets?
As of the moment, we want to focus on the existing branches. Then with careful and thorough planning, we want to expand further as the market evolves and as the demand increases.
- How does one become an Autobot branch or outlet? Is Autobot open to franchising in the future?
We have plans to franchise Autobot Offroad PH branches in the foreseeable future.
- Has Autobot expanded outside the Philippines? Where has it established a branch or outlet and with which partnership?
Yes, we did. Our first-ever franchise and partnership overseas was with the S’hail Group in Qatar.
- Does Autobot have plans to further expand outside the Philippines? If so, where and when?
This is the dream. This is the plan. We’re still in the process of learning from our first franchise and partnership in Qatar. We are positive that we will soon expand internationally.
- What factors contributed most to the growth of Autobot?
Autobot has grown by leaps and bounds because of the people behind it, not just its management and staff but also because of our clients, suppliers, colleagues, competitors, supporters, followers, friends, and family. But the biggest factor of all, it’s all thanks to the Lord and His abundant blessing.
- Has Autobot participated in local auto shows? Has it won any awards?
Yearly, we participate in the Trans Sport Show, Manila Auto Salon, Sport and Truck Show, and Bumper2Bumper (B2B) shows. We’ve won several awards including Best of Show at the Manila Auto Salon 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021; and Bumper2Bumper Best in Off-Road Show 2017-2012, Best of Show 2017-2021. We are particularly proud to have been awarded Best Off-Road Shop during the Asia Automotive Awards 2018.
- Is Autobot preparing an entry for this year’s auto shows?
Watch out for our entry at the Trans Sport Show 2023 in May.
- What are Autobot’s plans for the future? 5 years from now? 10 years from now?
We hope to increase our market share of the Philippine off-road, 4×4 and overlanding segment in five years and then hopefully dominate the market in ten years. By God’s grace and will, we plan to expand by offering other automotive services, such as periodic maintenance services (PMS), as we expand nationwide. And then, hopefully, we can continue our vision to promote our Filipino brand in world market in the coming years!