Q3 and 4 new Audi models unveiled by beauty titlists

Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto presents the Q3 together with Miss Czech Repubic pageant participants at the Audi Global City Showroom.

When it comes to launching a new product with glitz and glamor, few can match Robert Coyiuto Jr., chairman of PGA Cars Inc., the sole importer and distributor of Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini in the Philippines.

Last Friday, the glittering Audi Global City Showroom rolled out the red carpet for the spectacular unveiling of not one, not two or three, but five new Audi models as Audi’s new model lineup for 2013 led by the latest Audi Q3, a luxury compact sports utility vehicle.

And the covers were pulled off the cars by not one, not two or three, but 10 beauty pageant finalists led by 2012 Miss Universe 1st Runner-Up Janine Tugonon who, together with Audi Philippines head Benedicto Coyiuto, did the ceremonial unveiling of the Q3.

AAP president Gus Lagman (extreme right) with media guests Beeboy Bargas, Aida Mendoza, Lindy Pellicer and Tessa Salazar

The four other new Audi models—the new Audi A1 Sportback five-door, the redesigned Audi A4, the lighter and faster A6 executive sedan and the improved popular Q5—were uncovered by the 10 lovely, leggy Miss Czech Republic 2013 finalists who came to the Philippines for pre-beauty pageant shoots and videos on the beautiful beaches and other natural wonders of Palawan and Cebu.

Thus, by inviting our Miss Universe 1st runner-up winner and the Miss Czech Republic 2013 finalists to grace the occasion, Audi Philippines generously supported and helped to validate the Department of Tourism’s slogan that “it’s more fun in the Philippines.” It’s certainly more fun to attend new-car launches organized by Audi.

BEAUTY MEETS THE BEST Janine Tugonon strikes a pose beside the Q3.

In his welcome remarks, Benedicto Coyiuto said that after a successful 2012 worldwide, during which Audi became the number two premium car brand in the world (“and soon number one”) and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race for the 11th time, Audi Philippines looks forward to a stronger 2013 “as we have a host of new and exciting models … vehicles that are focused on Audi’s key race-bred technologies, TDi diesel and TFSi petrol engines, Quattro@ permanent all-wheel-drive and the unmistakable Audi LED lights.”

After the program emceed by newly assigned Audi sales director Lito Jose, saxophone soloist Ian Jacinto resumed providing pleasant background music as guests chatted, mixed and lingered around, admired and sat in the cars displayed on the showroom floor and partook of the sumptuous buffet while sipping cocktails.

Benedicto Coyiuto takes centerstage.

Among those seen at the scene were Henry Sy Jr. of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Bank president Ricardo Balbido Jr., Salem Investment Corp. president Mariano Nocom, Francis and Winston Wee and Automobile Association Philippines president Gus Lagman.

Markus Feiertag of the German Embassy in Manila with wife, Evangeline

Meanwhile, on the sidewalk fronting the Audi Global City Showroom, more Audi models were displayed including the new A1, the A8 and the most desired Audi in the world, the Audi R8 sports car. They constituted a splendid exit scene for guests leaving the great gala event that was the launch of the Audi Q3.