Peugeot opens showroom in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Autowelt, authorized dealer of Peugeot and an affiliate of Gateway Motors Group, has opened a new PEUGEOT showroom in Cebu.

Strategically located in the Mandaue Reclamation Area, the showroom will house the four variants initially available to the Philippines namely the 3008 crossover, the 5008 Compact MPV, the 508 Executive Sedan and the RCZ Sportscar.

French Brands initial success in the challenging Philippine automotive market has pushed them to create this new facility. Lowell Francis Belarmino, the Manager, said that the new state-of-the art facility was built according to Peugeot standards from the lay-out of the service bays to the furniture of the Showroom lounge. He stressed that the new 50 million facility reflects the full commitment of Peugeot in the Cebu.

Belarmino added that Peugeot’s comeback early this year since its introduction in the 1960’s was very challenging for him. “The Cebuanos are very particular with the value for money aspect,” he said. “It is very hard to compete with the brands that have been in Cebu for so long.  But we have high quality products and we can easily position ourselves in the middle. After all, Peugeot is well known in Europe for its quality and innovation,” he stressed.

The French Company is famous for producing quality cars as reflected in the past performances in motorsports. Peugeot was the first to introduce the Dual Overhead Cam Engines. In the 70’s and the 80’s, Peugeot was very successful in their World Rally Program. In the 90’s, Peugeot’s entry into Formula One as an engine supplier reaffirmed their commitment to performance and quality. 

Belarmino added that there will be no secrets to their trade. “We have high quality EU standardized cars offered at very competitive prices plus we throw in a 3 year warranty/100,000 kms warranty. It’s a very good package,”he said. All the variants are diesel powered except for the RCZ Sportscar. “We only have to built strong foundations and let our products do the marketing for us.” he said.

Belarmino said that they sell on the average around 10 to 12 cars in a month. He said that he expects the sales to go up to their target of 30 cars a month as soon as the operations of the facility are in full swing.

Aside from car sales, the facility’s aftermarket service is already operational.  Belarmino added that because of the length of warranty that they offer, the company is obligated to stock-on parts. “We are fully committed to follow through and develop the Peugeot Market in Cebu.” He said.

Autowelt Peugeot also offers Vehicle Insurance Services through its Insurance Brokerage Department and assist customers with the processing of Damage Claims. They also have LTO Registration Renewal Services as well as Quick Car Loan Processing with their financial tie-ups with Banks.

The company will also be accepting trade-ins of used cars. “We decided to accept “trade-ins” because it works for us.  Our affiliate company, Gateway, is doing good in the used cars market so we can pass it on to them.”

Peugeot is scheduled to open several more showrooms in the Visayas and Mindanao to complete their promise of opening 12 showrooms in the Philippines in 2013. (FREEMAN)