Kia strengthens presence east of Metro Manila

ADDING to the excitement of having a world-class dealership is Kia’s latest offering, the all-new Rio. PHOTOS BY CHARLES E. BUBAN

KIA Metroeast is the latest and biggest in the country to follow Kia Global Space Identity.

Those passing by the intersection of Don Juan Sumulong Highway and Katipunan Extension in Marikina City must have noticed this newly renovated red-and-white building of Kia.

This dealership—Kia Metroeast—is actually significant to Columbian Autocar Corp. (exclusive distributor of Kia brand of vehicles in the Philippines), as it is the latest and biggest in the country to follow Kia Motors Corp.’s Global Space Identity, a design standard that is now slowly being implemented in all dealers around the world.

“Every dealership will now follow this Global Space Identity, which provides appearance and layout that is more memorable and appealing to the eyes of our customers. We are proud that Kia Metroeast is among the first to adopt the Global Space Identity, which is important in our mission to enhance brand awareness and familiarity,” CAC president Ginia Domingo announced as she formally opened the dealership last week.

THE FATHER-AND-SON team behind Autocircle Inc.: Felix Mabilog Jr. (chairman) and Michael Mabilog, VP and general manager.

3S facility

The 4,000-square-meter Kia Metroeast is a 3S—sales, spare parts, service—facility that features a modern and stylish design meant to offer customers a greater experience when purchasing a new Kia or sending their current Kia for service.

The reception and display area also offers a VIP lounge with a restaurant where customers can even order from a vast array of food and beverages available.

CAC president Ginia Domingo (right) cuts the ceremonial ribbon with Pritchie Mabilog (left) and Janet Santos.

Domingo said that the facelift started last July when the dealership actually began operation, mainly serving the areas of Marikina, Cainta, Antipolo City, and other towns in Rizal province.

Also present during the blessing and formal opening were Felix Mabilog Jr., chairman of Autocircle Inc. (the company that operates the dealership), Janet Santos, Pritchie Mabilog, and Kia Metroeast VP and GM Michael Mabilog.

Major player

Kia has already established itself as one of the major players in the automotive industry. “With the Global Space Identity, Kia reinforces its dedication in consistently and effectively improving brand image and awareness not only through the design of its vehicles, but also through the design of its dealerships around the country,” Domingo said.

Michael Mabilog agreed, adding that Kia Metroeast now joins an elite group of dealerships worldwide. Following this standard will enable them to further improve Kia’s brand image and familiarity. The building of Kia Metroeast provides a modern, professional and practical design that is both appealing and memorable to our buyers and customers.

WELCOMING THE newly renovated dealership were, from left, Dodie Ganac, CAC VP for Marketing; Boying Soriano, CAC Marketing Services manager; Butch Camacho, Kia Las Piñas president; Menchie Competente, VP for human resources; Pritchie Mabilog; CAC president Ginia R. Domingo; Felix J. Mabilog Jr., Autocircle Inc. chair and Chut Velasquez, CAC dealer development manager.

He added that since the facelift, the dealership has noted an encouraging growth in inquiries, as well as vehicle sales and after-market services.

“Customer feedback has also improved,” Mabilog said.

Rio arrival

ENGINEERS from Korea are currently visiting each Kia dealership nationwide as part of the annual Service Clinic.

He added that the arrival of the 2012 Rio in January also helped in adding to the excitement, as potential buyers are now dropping by the dealership to check out any of the three variants of the all-new Rio (manual 1.2-liter LX, manual 1.4-liter EX, and a five-door, automatic 1.4-liter EX).

As another bonus, Domingo informed that engineers from Korea are currently visiting each Kia dealership (the Korean engineers were in Kia Metroeast last February 17-18) nationwide to take part in the annual Service Clinic where they will perform diagnostic checks on the Kia vehicles in the service shop.

“This is a great opportunity to have your Kia vehicle checked by world class technicians and at the same time avail of the discounts, freebies and special gift items. Contact your nearest Kia dealership for the schedule of the visit,” Domingo said.