Ayala Corporation said that its automotive unit has been selected by Europe's biggest car maker Volkswagen AG as the Philippine distributor of Volkswagen passenger vehicles.

Mr Fernando Zobel de Ayala president & COO of Ayala Corporation in a statement said that the distribution agreement would enable the company to offer a much wider range of passenger vehicles in the local market and reinforce Ayala's strong presence in the local automotive industry.

He added that "We are very excited to bring Volkswagen's technology and engineering expertise to the Philippine market. This partnership will no doubt enhance our current portfolio of auto brands given the dominant position of Volkswagen in the global automotive market."

The Ayala group's automotive unit, Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation, has interests in Honda Cars Philippines and Isuzu Philippines Corporation.

Mr Weiming Soh president of Greater China ASEAN Volkswagen AG said that "Building on the Ayala Group's excellent reputation and market knowledge, we are excited about offering consumers in the Philippines Volkswagen's outstanding line up of vehicles and providing them with an unparalleled level of sales and service experience."

Mr Soh said that his company and Ayala planned to rapidly establish the brand Volkswagen in the Philippines and make it the world's number one car manufacturer by 2018.

Source - Manila Standard Today

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