Changes coming to Volkswagen Philippines
Written by Neil Pagulayan
Volkswagen Philippines (VWPH) is optimistic about the future and setting on a vibrant, electric and energetic direction. The company discussed their local and global plans for 2021 with the media, with their theme, ‘Crossing Paths Anew with Volkswagen.’
A new direction
The vibrant, electric and energetic new direction encompasses a lot of aspects of the way Volkswagen operates, from new vehicles down to its new logo.
The revised logo is designed to be “digital first.” By making the VW logo flat and two-dimensional, it now displays easily on digital devices and applications to make the brand, its business, and its motoring community sustainable, inclusive, and interactive. It also now symbolizes the flexibility, versatility, and will also soon appear on their vehicles. Expect the new look at their dealerships near you soon.
The ‘electric’ part has already become reality, having globally launched their ID.3 and ID.4 from their ID Family of fully electric vehicles (EV). Six more EV’s are planned to be unveiled in the next three years. VWPH is optimistic of their EV’s coming to our shores in the near future.
Volkswagen’s global refresh comes as the world gets back on its feet, as it reels from the socioeconomic setbacks of 2020 caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. With a 40 percent drop in local automotive sales, VWPH shares the optimism of the automotive industry‘s recovery and growth.
In an online discussion led by Volkswagen Philippines President, Felipe Estrella, he shared their campaign to ‘Keep your Volkswagen running like a Volkswagen.’ In line with this, their aim is to improve aftersales service, and keep you and your VW on the road longer with less downtime. Integral to it is VWPH’s once a year Preventive Maintenance Service with every vehicle, in turn giving buyers the advantage of 20 percent lower cost of ownership compared to their competitors. They commit to maintaining a three-month stock of parts, offer Express Service, free 24/7 Emergency Roadside Assistance (ERA), and having technicians trained by globally certified trainers with on-site and virtual diagnostic technical support.
T-Cross crossover
Easily the highlight of the event was its newest model, the T-Cross. Estrella announced that the T-Cross, their global, and first subcompact SUV will come to our shores very soon. Launched simultaneously in Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Shanghai in China, and manufactured Brazil, China, and Germany, it has sold well in many markets and is expected to be well accepted here in the Philippines. Besides the T-Cross, VWPH also hinted it will bring in two more models within 2021.
And to appease critics of vehicles made outside their country of origin, it was firmly stated that ‘only a Volkswagen can build a Volkswagen.’ The statement hopes to reassure everyone that all Volkswagens that roll out of a Volkswagen production facility anywhere in the world conforms to the same strict, exacting standards of high tolerance for quality and safety the German marque is known for. Thus, ensuring that the badge always speaks of unmistakable Volkswagen quality.
The Filipino auto buyer will come out to be the winner, with exciting models to be introduced soon and more in the future, both locally and in the virtual/online space. Volkswagen Philippines promises to continue to bring in high quality vehicles to suit Filipino needs, and at prices reasonable to the Filipino.