Wheel Gallery: 10 years of innovation

MANILA, Philippines - It’s been a challenging, yet exciting decade for one of the country’s renowned aftermarket firms, Wheel Gallery Incorporated (WGI). Down the years, WGI has always carried the baton in terms of product innovation and design. “We have always prioritized form, function and affordability as a response to a need of the local market for quality aftermarket wheels,” states Sammy Liuson, Managing Partner of Wheel Gallery.

In 2002, the fledgling company caught the domestic market off guard with Concept One, the brand which would carve a niche and a byword in the aftermarket industry. “We came out with off-the-cuff designs in 17 to 20 inches at a time when 15 inches was the norm for Japanese and American sedans,” adds Liuson. A year later, WGI would shock and awe once again as it introduced the “bling” phenomena with its 20- to 22-inch Bazo, Mkw, MB Motoring chrome wheels and Nitto tires.

It was a turning point for the company as it put local car enthusiasts on massive chrome wheels. In 2004, Liuson and partner Johnny Tan decided to level up by being the first to offer size 22- to 26-inch chrome wheels TSW of USA, Petrol, Black Rhino Chrome and Victor equipment for Porsche. It was also the year Wheel Gallery introduced Starfire tires from Cooper Tires USA.

In 2006, the innovators of bling went tri-media as it embarked on a hit radio show with 99.5RT’s Hit My Ride and a segment with the top-rated TV motoring lifestyle Auto Extreme. It would also be a landmark year for the company as it became the official SUV wheel retailer for Ray’s Engineering of Japan (Black Fleet and Sebring). This strategic move was further complimented by the introduction of VCT and Scorpion rims.

In 2009, Nitto Tires was certified and named as the official tires of the Philippine Touring Car (PTCC) and Philippine Production Car Championships (PPCC). “Nitto and Starfire fitted the requirements of racers in terms of performance and reliability. It was also important to us that time to have a sponsor who understands the sport,” says Mandy Eduque, chair of the Automobile Association of the Philippines (AAP) and the authorized representative of the Federal internationale’ de Automobile (FIA).

A year later, Concept One, Nitto and Starfire tires became the official tires and wheel equipment for the PTCC and PPCC, as Wheel Gallery launched the country’s first Race of Champions (RoC). This race series pitted veterans of the sport against the current breed of race champions.

In 2011, WGI introduced its Euro line-up by becoming the exclusive and authorized representative of renowned German brands BBS, Carlsson Autotecnik, and Kelleners Sport. This product line-up catered to the needs of Mercedes Benz and BMW enthusiasts and collectors.

This year, Wheel Gallery meets the challenges of the future by expanding and updating its showroom along Santolan St., in Greenhills, San Juan.

As the company which put Filipinos on 22-inch rims celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, it is offering huge promos of as low as P5,000 for size-15 wheels and slashed prices for select brands. This sale of the decade runs up to the 21st of this month.