Volkswagen reports brisk sales in PH

Volkswagen Philippines, a part of Ayala Corp. unit AC Industrials, saw a 76-percent surge in annual inventory turnover as it sold 1,060 vehicles in 2016.

The vehicle importer, which has been operating in the Philippines for about three years now, said this was the first time that it sold more than 1,000 units within a business year.

“Volkswagen Philippines’ overall sales performance was attained during a period when it expanded its dealership network,” the company said in a statement.

The company also reported receiving “14 awards and citations for … various models and CSR (corporate social responsibility) efforts.”

These include the  Child Safety Initiative campaign and the Passat’s win in the Car of the Year-Philippines in the mid-size luxury sedan category.

Also included in Volkswagen Philippines’ product lineup are the Beetle, large SUV (sport utility vehicle) Touareg, compact SUV Tiguan, multi-purpose vehicle Touran, Golf and Golf GTI, Polo sedan and hatchback, and Jetta compact sedan.

The German brand has five dealers located in the cities of Taguig, Quezon, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa and Cebu.

Last year, Volkswagen Philippines opened three dealerships outside Metro Manila, including those in San Fernando City, Pampanga; Iloilo City; and Bacolod City.

Volkswagen Philippines said its record annual sales volume matched the record-high sales performance that the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. achieved in 2016.

The vehicle seller expects further growth in sales of European brands this year, saying that car buyers have become more financially empowered and are thus moving up the premium segments.