Ferrari, Maserati and Pinoy car lovers

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is said to have gifted himself with a black 458 Italia Ferrari. The rumored price of the car was $240,000 (a little over P10M). The Ferrari was bought before the Nov. 12, 2011 fight with Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez somewhere in LA — a Christmas gift.

The other Ferrari that was in the news was the one that got bumped somewhere in the Ortigas area. The estimated price of the Ferrari was P30M, the taxes of which were still unpaid. Until today, the rumored owner, a noontime TV show host, has denied ownership.

The Ferrari and the Maserati are two elite brands that are coveted by sports car aficionados. How does one explain the love affair between a car-lover and his Ferrari? I guess it is much like the love affair between a bag-loving lady who would think nothing of getting a P1-million Hermes bag — and look at it as a reward or as a sign of true love (or lust) from her husband or lover.

We ask Wellington Soong, chair and president of Autostrada Motore Inc. about the person who bought the first Ferrari sold by Autostrada.

“Let’s just say he is a businessman,” comes Soong’s reply. “And like all other owners of elite sports cars, he bought the Ferrari as a reward for himself.”

Soong is quick to point out that the Ferrari and Maserati are among the most premium brands of sports cars on the market — with the Ferrari occupying top place. “It’s a major milestone for me,” adds Soong about the launching of Autostrada Motore Inc., the first importer-distributor of Ferrari and Maserati in the Philippines, recently.

“I have to admit that when I pursued this interest in 1995 to get involved in motoring with Jaguar, it was not within my scope of expectations that I would be privileged and honored to handle such great brands as Ferrari and Maserati.”

With a twinkle in his eye, one that is normally reserved for people in love, Soong adds that the opening of Autostrada Motore is a fulfillment of a saga, which started in 2001. And against all the obstacles, challenges and hardships that he had to go through — it was his sheer commitment, focus and determination that made his success happen.

“It is part of my fate, my destiny,” he says. It comes as no surprise that Autostrada was launched in a grand way with Herbert Appleroth, president and CEO of Ferrari Asia-Pacific; Simon Inglefield, head of region, Ferrari Asia-Pacific Other Countries; Gaetano Marino, regional sales director for South East Asia Pacific of Maserati, and Wellington C. Soong, chair and president of Autostrada Motore Inc. present. The guest of honor at the event was Italian Ambassador Luca Fornari.

“We are very excited that our plan to open a Ferrari and Maserati dealership has finally come to fruition. It has been a challenging task to bring two premium supercar brands here, but it is worth it. In a way, we have finally arrived,” explains Soong. “As the official dealership for the Ferrari and Maserati, we are aligned with the new corporate identity, which reflects passion, technical excellence, and unique style of the brands. As part of a worldwide network of Ferrari and Maserati dealerships, Autostrada Motore Inc. ensures customers that they will receive only top-of-the-line customer service to match the legendary performance, technology, and style of their cars.”

“As Ferrari’s international presence continues to expand, it gives me great pleasure to open a new dealership in the Philippines. Naturally the entire range will be available on this market, imported by Autostrada Motore Inc, the partner we’ve chosen and who shares with us the passion for Ferrari and its values,” adds Herbert Appleroth, president and CEO, Ferrari Asia-Pacific.

During the ceremony, two models were unveiled — the Ferrari 458 Italia and the Maserati Granturismo.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia are Autostrada Motore Inc. executive director Jason Soong; Autostrada Motore Inc. executive director Marc Soong; Wellington Soong; Ferrari Asia Pacific president and CEO Herbert Appleroth; and Ferrari Asia Pacific head of region Simon Inglefield.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a combination of functionality and style aimed at guaranteeing optimal performance and visual impact. It continues the classic Maranello eight-cylinder engine tradition but with exceptional fuel consumption and emission levels, laying the foundation for the Ferraris of the future without losing touch with its roots. The Ferrari personalization program will support clients to uniquely configure their new Ferrari. “The Maserati Granturismo MC Stradale is considered the first street-legal Maserati car. It is the first to be equipped with light and powerful carbon-ceramic brakes, the first to use advanced electronics that minimize gearshift, the first to top 300 km/h, and the first road-going Maserati to have a dedicated Race mode,” says Gaetano Marino, regional sales director for South East Asia Pacific, Maserati. The Stradale completes the Granturismo range as the most powerful performance model.

Passion, Pride, Ferrari

For Soong, to be able to represent a brand such as Ferrari and Maserati is a whole experience in itself.

“They have a completely different way of perceiving their brands,” he explains. “To own that brand is a privilege. Owners of Ferraris don’t end up with just one unit; they continue to buy. They continue to accumulate — and that is what Ferrari calls a true Ferrarista.”

Although, Soong does not own a Ferrari yet, he enjoys the unique advantage of having access to brand-new Ferrari demonstrator cars. But, if he could own a Ferrari he would get a 458 Spider. And then move to the California. A lifestyle that rewards itself for a work well done is how Soong looks at the buyers of cars like the Ferrari. Soong says that there are many businesses that are doing well in the country as can be seen from the many high-end brands that are available here. And, these are not just car brands. “I think I am able to ride this wave,” adds Soong. “There is a common denominator between car lovers from the elite segment. They love luxury because it is part of their lifestyle and they have a passion for motoring.”

Wellington Soong, Autostrada Motore Inc. chair and president, at the launching of the Ferrari and Maserati showroom recently

It is no secret that the Ferraris and Maseratis that have come into the country are already sold. Soong says that it is because there is a waiting time for people who have placed an order for the much-desired cars.                 

One thing that is common among elite sports car buyers — they all own more than one sports car and they are mostly businessmen. “What I see consistent among all elite sports cars buyers is that the cars they own are an expression of who they are,” concludes Soong. “It is more that just a brag factor, it is really a very intimate reward to themselves. I enjoy seeing that.”

* * *

Autostrada Motore Inc. is located at 32nd and 4th Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.