Inchcape Philippines, distributor of brands like Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, Land Rover, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Changan, is investing in infrastructure and innovation to better serve the Filipino car buyer.
During an intimate luncheon with members of the motoring media, Alex Yap, Inchcape Philippines Country Manager, shared his vision for Inchcape Philippines. Although he has been leading Inchcape Philippines since August, this event was the first opportunity for Yap to openly discuss his plans. He also offered a guided tour of the newly built Distribution Complex along C5 in Pasig, paving the way for Inchcape's ambitious future.
With a broad background in the automotive sector, Yap has worked with renowned brands such as Toyota, Lexus, BMW, Chevrolet, and Jaguar Land Rover. His experience spans markets in China, Singapore, and Guam, giving him a unique perspective on how to navigate the complexities of the Philippine automotive market.
Yap’s strategy hinges on adaptability, operational efficiency, and a sharp focus on technology. Moving forward, he aims to enhance Inchcape's reputation as the leading independent automotive distributor by aligning local initiatives with the company’s global strategies while addressing the specific needs of the Philippine market.
Embracing digital transformation
The automotive industry is rapidly moving toward digital and connected experiences, and Yap views adapting to this trend as essential for Inchcape Philippines. At the luncheon, Yap spoke about how investments in technology and digital tools are aimed at enriching customer experiences.
Three years ago, Inchcape established Digital Delivery Centres (DDCs) in Colombia and the Philippines, which have played a critical role in advancing its digital capabilities. These centers, staffed by over 1,400 digital specialists, ensure operational consistency and deliver seamless digital experiences for both OEM partners and customers. Yap emphasized that these investments are key to staying ahead in a competitive, evolving industry.
Strengthening local logistics
During the media tour of the new Distribution Center in Pasig, Yap provided a more detailed look at the facility's capabilities. The center is 12,000 square meters in size, designed to centralize Inchcape’s parts supply and improve the efficiency of operations in the Philippines. The facility includes dedicated spaces for parts distribution, multi-brand servicing, and training, making it a central hub for Inchcape's local operations .
The parts distribution center is particularly crucial for minimizing lead times for automotive parts, ensuring that parts are readily available for both servicing and preventive maintenance. Yap mentioned that managing a stable inventory of parts is one of the key focuses of the facility, allowing for quick fulfillment and ensuring a high parts fill rate—targeted at 95% for preventive maintenance parts . This helps maintain high customer satisfaction, addressing a common pain point in the automotive industry where long lead times can cause frustration and vehicle downtime.
The new Distribution Complex also hosts a multi-brand service area, including body and paint workshops that cater to various brands represented by Inchcape. Yap highlighted that having centralized facilities for these services helps reduce congestion and operational inefficiencies that were previously experienced in other locations, such as their Greenhills service center.
Yap also acknowledged some unique challenges in the Philippine market that OEMs may overlook, such as complex vehicle taxation systems and the coding regulations that affect vehicle usage. His experience with both straightforward and complex markets positions him well to help OEMs overcome these obstacles. He has been working closely with OEMs to tailor their product offerings, ensuring electric vehicles are competitively priced and compliant with local rules, and making them more accessible to Filipino consumers.
In addition, Inchcape Philippines emphasizes cross-brand training through its Training Academy, which equips employees with both technical skills and soft skills. This approach supports Yap’s vision of delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring that the workforce is ready to meet evolving consumer expectations.
A future-ready vision
Inchcape is dedicated to responsible business practices, including conducting energy audits to better assess and reduce emissions. Yap aims to lead Inchcape Philippines not only to market leadership but also towards greener, more sustainable operations.
From vehicle sales to aftersales services and parts distribution, Inchcape’s offerings are underpinned by Yap’s focus on technology and innovation. The recently opened Changan Auto flagship dealership in Pasig is a key component of this growth, boasting secure digital infrastructure aimed at enhancing customer engagement and convenience.
The road ahead
As Yap takes charge, his focus is on leveraging innovation, digital integration, and operational efficiency to grow Inchcape's footprint in the Philippines. His extensive experience positions him well to navigate the local market's complexities, helping Inchcape become a key player in Southeast Asia's automotive landscape.
Yap's leadership aims to blend international expertise with local insights, setting Inchcape Philippines on a promising path to continued success.