SURGE OF CHINA-SOURCED CARS

The strategic move of VW PH released a surge of China-sourced cars entering or reentering the Philippine market, aside from all-new models being launched by Chinese brands already operating here.

For example, that FTA between the ASEAN and China was maximized again by AC Industrials after it acquired and relaunched the Kia brand on January 30, 2019, the sixth brand to be folded into AC Industrials’ vehicle and dealership unit, AC Automotive.

The centerpiece of the Kia brand relaunch by Ayala’s Adventure Cycle Philippines, Inc. (ACPI) was the the Soluto, a Kia subcompact sedan manufactured in China under the direct management of Kia Motors of Korea. The Soluto, with an SRP starting at P625,000, appeared in a fullpage full-color ad in PDI and other major broadsheets the next day, January 31.