When the pandemic took hold in 2020, many automotive companies struggled to continue communications with their customers. The lockdown had forced many showrooms to close, disrupting the way car companies do business.

Realizing the value of digitalization early on can be a boon, particularly when challenges surface with little warning. Such was the case with the luxury brands, Porsche, Lamborghini, Audi, and Bentley handled by PGA Cars, Inc.  Benedicto T. Coyiuto serves as the Audi Philippines Head and Bentley Philippines President.

Coyiuto is quick to point to their brands’ early preparations as key to weathering the pandemic.

 “Credit here goes to PGA Cars’ further expansion of its digitalization efforts, which allowed the brand to be flexible amid a changed business landscape… our long-term outlook on business practices let us immediately adjust to disruptions, helping us pivot our operations so we could effectively engage with our clients and the market.”

Though many would have seen little value of digitalization before 2020, he says it was par for the course when it comes to luxury brands.

 “The same flexibility can be seen in a number of companies which also belong in the luxury sector. Their rethinking of established practices and adoption of a long-term vision for future challenges mean they were able to respond to market disruptions.”

As the country begins to recover from 2020’s effects, he is optimistic for what 2021 holds.

 “We, at PGA Cars, are just as upbeat about our prospects this year. Corporate measures we have long put in place continue to optimize our operations and ensure our clients get the best premium experience always.”

They have much to be excited about as Audi and Porsche are preparing for their most daring shift yet, that from petrol power to pure electric.

 “Advanced regions around the world are preparing to make the shift toward electric-powered mobility, with some working on a 2030 deadline for this.”

Porsche and Audi Philippines are already preparing for this inevitable move, offering its clients a new green powertrain in the form of the all-electric Porsche Taycan and Audi e-tron line.

 “With the Taycan, we will continue to lead the charge in the imminent local adoption of electromobility.”

The same shift is also happening at Audi.

 “This year we are bringing in not just two or three new products, but several completely new and exciting models representing the best of what Audi and Bentley will soon offer. Among these is the Audi e-tron, a luxurious all-wheel drive SUV that is purely electric-powered. The e-tronSUV forms just a part of the e-tron range composed of other electric vehicles belonging in different segments.”

Despite the lack of infrastructure for such vehicles, the brands are already taking the first step, installing chargers in its dealerships and equipping its service center to handle the new vehicle.

 “We are heavily investing in this technology, not just in the vehicle itself, but in the entire ecosystem—charging network, supporting infrastructure, regulatory requirements, clean energy generation—that would support the use of electric vehicles in the Philippines.”

As many other automotive brands are just beginning to offer electric alternatives, PGA Cars is already equipped and ready to roll.

 “This initiative reflects our approach to business. We anticipate trends, analyze prevailing conditions, and strategize on which steps are best to take not just for the present, but in future, too.”