Who would have the audacity to open a business right smack in the pandemic, let alone a car dealership?
It’s that kind of mindset, astute and forward-looking, that brought about the first-ever Subaru dealership and showroom in Cavite.
AVB Motorhub Pilipinas, which also owns motorcycle dealerships, on 6 June made a full launch at Casa Bellisima, Aguinaldo Highway, Barangay Anabu, Imus City.
It was almost three years since the dealership formally opened just when the economy was reeling because of the coronavirus.
“We saw the opportunity,” said AVB president Aitor Barandiaran during the event. He said he reached out to Tan Chong International Ltd. Motor Image which controls Subaru in this part of the world.
“I got more surprised I got a reply from their Singapore office. And it was quick. From there two weeks, three weeks. It was done. We set meetings all virtual. All online,” he added. “And as they say the rest is history.”
The event was graced by Glenn Tan of Tan Chong International Ltd. Motor Image, Congressman Adrian Jay Advincula and Vice Mayor Homer Saquilayan.
“We found an emerging market open to all opportunities in Cavite and other parts of southern Luzon,” said Tan in a brief speech.
Subaru Wrx: An all-wheel drive sport compact car originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992.
Saquilayan pledged the support of the local government to the business, which is just one of the many that contributes to the growth of the bustling city.
“So here we are today three years after a global pandemic, it may have delayed us, but it did not stop us,” Barandiaran said. “We are finally inaugurating our Subaru Cavite dealership.”
He added that Subaru is the first and only car brand that AVB carries “and you know what, we are proud of it.”
AVB was established to cater for the growing motorcycle industry in the Philippines. It was awarded the dealership of KTM Motorcyclles in the South Metro Manila in the late 2016.
Within six years the company added Husqvarna Motorcycles, Kymco Scooters and now Subaru cars.
Subaru BRZ: A high-performance sports car with powerful 2.4 Boxer engine.
There are currently seven showrooms that AVB manages. But its head office is located at Marcos Alvarez, Las Piñas City.
“Keeping up with the motorcycle growth, AVB decided to pursue its first car dealership with Subaru Philippines in 2020. Subaru is known for its high quality, sports car driving experience. It has established its cars as safe and consistent, a good choice for discerning car owners,” according to its company statement.
“Although relatively new in the auto industry, the company’s Subaru after-sales service is already gaining recognition for its quality workmanship. AVB Motorhub strives to continuously grow and innovate and become a significant contributor in the motorcycle and automotive industry,” it added.
