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Motoring: Iconic Rolls-Royce dubs PHL a significant jewel in crown Asia
The Ghost Series II rolling on the streets of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
The Philippines is one of the major growth areas Rolls-Royce is focusing on in Asia, banking on a healthy economy and the rising purchasing power of high net-worth individuals – developments that have prompted the iconic British carmaker to firm up its presence in the country with a newly-opened permanent showroom in upscale Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
A phenomenal gross domestic product (GDP) and a great attitude towards the future of business explains why the British luxury brand needs to be in the Philippines, Rolls-Royce regional director for Asia-Pacific Paul Harris told reporters during the showroom's inauguration.
"If Asia is a crown, then the Philippines is a significant jewel in that crown," he said.
A permanent Philippine presence reflects the country's bright prospects within the region, British Ambassador to Manila Asif Ahmad said in the same event.
"It says that you're part of Asia's success story, and Rolls-Royce is basically marking that by arriving here," he said.
Last year, the Philippine GDP grew by 6.1 percent, maintaining its position as the second fastest growing economy in Asia next to China.
It was also last year when Rolls-Royce Motor Cars opened a temporary showroom in Taguig City, in response to a positive reception for the Philippine luxury car market after "15 captains of industry" expressed strong interest in owning the world-renowned marquee on four wheels.
The government targets a 7 to 8 percent economic growth this year.
In photo, from left: Rolls-Royce regional director for the Asia-Pacific Paul Harris, British Ambassador Asif Ahmad, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila president Willy Tee Ten, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila SVP Michael Cua.
'A home'
Rolls-Royce Asia Pacific general manager Michael Schneider said the company is "very pleased, very confident" with the development so far in the Philippines.
The luxury car brand has a single-showroom presence in almost every Southeast Asian country, except in Myanmar and Laos, he said.
"Today marks a moment, because now the brand in the Philippines has a home, has an official showroom," he said.
"Our market entry always follows initial market demand. We've been very pleased with what we've seen in the market, so far, and we certainly expect that given the economic growth, to continue on growth path," he added.
"Our aim is sustainable growth, we are not chasing volume numbers. We want to remain the only true, authentic luxury brand in the automotive industry," Schneider noted.
In fact, Rolls-Royce is rolling out a convertible model later this year and will be available to the market by early 2016.
Unveiling the Ghost Series II. In photo: Rolls-Royce regional director for the Asia-Pacific Paul Harris and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila president Willy Tee Ten.
'Optimistic'
Since Rolls-Royce arrived in the Philippines in 2013, interest for the world-renowned marquee has been "good" as the middle class and the ultra-high net worth individuals continue to grow, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Manila president Willy Tee Ten said.
"The reason why we opened a showroom is because we believe the economy will keep on growing. We're optimistic, we hope it's going to get better and better," he said.
"However, even our buyers don't want to divulge their names. They just want to enjoy the vehicle," he explained.
"But as far as inquiries are concerned, we're very happy with the inquiries. It's just a matter of time, since these are not cheap vehicles, it takes time for them to look into this," Tee Ten added.
The Philippines will definitely add to the global growth of Rolls-Royce, he noted.
Globally, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars breached the 4,000-mark in sales last year, its fifth consecutive record year with 4,063 cars sold. – VS, GMA News
