Mody Llamas Jr. and Sam Verzosa
MANILA, Philippines — A new breed of leaders in the automotive industry — in a “Changing of the Guards” — are out to energize the luxury car sector in the Philippines.
At the helm now is businessman Dennis Uy, a key figure from Davao who heads the Udenna Group of Compaies and Dennison Holdings.
In October 2018, the luxury car segment of the market welcomed Uy and Motostrada as Ferrari and Maserati’s exclusive distributor in the Philippines.
Uy intends to revitalize the market with his partner Sam Verzosa of Frontrow.
“When it comes to supercars, Ferrari has always been the best brand, ingenious and top of the line car maker,” Uy relates “We see a big untapped market. We can still grow further.”
From left: Ferrari CEO Louis Camilleri , Dennis Uy, Sam Verzosa, and Mody Llamas Jr.
Verzosa is now the president of Modena Motorsports through which he will head Maserati, while Mody Llamas Jr, Verzosa’s business partner in the mining and real estate industry, is now the president of Motostrada Inc., which will oversee Ferrari in the Philippines.
“I’m very excited to start this new venture as president of Maserati Philippines, together with my business partner Mody Llamas Jr. who will head Ferrari Philippines, our chairman, Dennis Uy, and of course, with Mr. Willie Soong, our chairman emeritus,” Verzosa says.
These key players are looking to steer Ferrari and Maserati through a challenging and evolving luxury automobile landscape.
From left: Willie Soong, RS Francisco, Sam Verzosa, and Mody Llamas Jr
It is known to everyone that Verzosa and RS Francisco are behind the multinational direct-selling giant, Frontrow Enterprise.
“RS Francisco, my business partner in Frontrow will also come in as managing director for marketing. His expertise in advertising and marketing are key factors in the success of the Frontrow brand. I am very confident that he will do the same here,” Verzosa explains.
This new generation who will be running the Ferrari and Maserati brands is bent on creating new strategies that will not only cater to the elite but to those who are striving to become successful in life. Its new view on how to widen the market of this brand is a breath of fresh air.
Now, Ferrari and Maserati will appeal not only to those who are already rich but also to those who have been inspired to work hard towards achieving their goals.
Simon Inglefield, the general manager of Maserati South East Asia Pacific, has also expressed his support. With Verzosa heading the Italian car brand, he says he’s certain that the new leadership will bring Maserati to new heights in the Philippines.
“I am excited in the promising future with the leadership of the newly appointed president of Modena Motorsports, Mr. Sam Verzosa,” Inglefield says.
From left: Dennis Uy, Sam Verzosa, and Mody Llamas Jr
“Our direction is to make the aspirational brand relatable and achievable. Brands like Ferrari and Maserati have long been the status symbols for luxury and the paramount of success. We would like to expand on that idea and make these brands the symbols of hard work and dedication,” Verzosa says.
Innovative marketing, backed up by good after-sales services, and a dedicated team of professionals, are key ingredients to keeping the captured luxury car market flourishing. And with this changing of the guards, the supercar community can definitely look forward to more exciting times ahead.