In Cebu: Goodyear sets up first Autocare retail center

Goodyear Philippines has established its first automobile retail service center shop called Autocare in Cebu.

Cebu's huge potential for autocare service has prompted Ohio-based Goodyear Philippines to open its first retail autoshop center at Maguikay, Mandaue City, in partnership with Ernesto Rizarri, one of Goodyear's dealers in Cebu.

Goodyear Autocare in Cebu, the first in the Philippines, complements a 130-strong network of Goodyear branded retail outlets. This new concept of service offers customers high standard level of tire and automotive service expertise along with access to a comprehensive range of Goodyear tire brands.

Goodyear Philippines general manager for marketing Ramon Barredo said the company has noted a tremendous business opportunity for autocare service, as a number of automobiles has been rapidly increasing here and consumers are demanding for high quality automobile machine care.

In the past, Goodyear had been known as tire specialist, with its established brand in tire product. Now, the company has expanded its services to offer a full-blown service retail outlet, wherein service will not only be specialized on tire, but the entire automobile care requirement.

Over time, Goodyear Autocare will take the place of the Goodyear Servitek brand, with existing dealers being invited to shift to the new Goodyear Autocare format.

"By repositioning our stores under the new Goodyear Autocare brand, we can more clearly and correctly convey what we offer to our customers, which is a one-stop-shop for quality automotive services, not just tires," said Goodyear Philippines, general manager for branded retail Gerry Alava.

Rizarri's Goodyear Autocare in Mandaue, is the first outlet out of 130 Goodyear dealer partners in Philippines, to avail of this offer, Barredo said.

He said the company will be inviting its partners all over the country to offer this one-stop-shop auto-care service center that provides top quality service.

Goodyear will provide training for technicians and mechanics that will serve every Goodyear Autocare to open.

Rizarri said a growing number of automobile owners in Cebu are demanding for best quality auto-care service, as vehicles are becoming more expensive, maintenance requirement should also be assured.

Goodyear Autocare outlets will be staffed by qualified professionals to provide automotive services such as car repairs and services, mechanical inspections, and assistance with tires.

Goodyear Philippines has maintained tire manufacturing plant in Las Piñas. The plant's total production supplies tire requirement not only in the Philippines but other countries, such as the entire ASEAN cluster, as well as United States.