Volkswagen brews new exciting models for 2015

JP Orbeta: expect the Golf GTI in February

THE GOLF GTI, an enthusiast’s hatch revered for having the best blend performance, practicality and price. A special model of the Touareg, a luxury SUV that has always been a paragon of driving elegance and interior refinement. The Polo Hatchback, one of VW’s most enduring and beloved models. The “new from the ground up” B8-series Passat, a lovely and lithe  executive limousine. All these models will be coming to our shores this year.

“They are testament that Volkswagen is always one step ahead of its time. For a company that has just opened its doors a little more than a year ago, we have shown that we are on the right path,” announced John Philip Orbeta, president and CEO of Volkswagen Philippines (VW Philippines), during last week’s Media Appreciation Night held at the VW headquarters at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

Will be available

Orbeta said that the Golf GTI will be coming in February. “A recipient of several awards from European Car of the Year, World Car of the Year, Car of the Year Japan, and the North American Car of the Year, the Golf GTI will be available to those who have been waiting for such a long time to see the car on Philippine roads,” he said.

February 2015 will also be the scheduled unveiling of a special model of the Touareg, which will then be followed by the launch of the Polo Hatchback, the Tiguan R Line and several new engines and transmissions. To end the year on a bright note, VW Philippines will be unveiling the new B8-series Passat.

KLAUS Schadewald: hot VW curry sausages

“To give potential owners the opportunity to enjoy the driving experience that is uniquely Volkswagen, VW Philippines is currently establishing its dealer network at key locations. Since our brand launch in late-September 2013, we have already opened our first four dealerships. Aside from the BGC showroom which was formally inaugurated in February 2014, our showrooms in Cebu (August 2014) and Quezon Avenue (November 2014) are also in operation,” he said.
“Two weeks ago, we also launched our satellite showroom in Alabang. Along with the Volkswagen Greenfield Service Center in Mandaluyong City—our fully functional aftersales facility—we actually have now a total of five facilities across our network,” Orbeta  said.

Orbeta said that after only a year in business, VW Philippines’ ever-growing presence is allowing more Filipinos to own premium European products that are within reach.

“You will also recall that we launched several new models in 2014, highlighted by the return of the iconic Beetle which continues to turn heads in our streets. At the same time, many have appreciated the arrival of the Polo Sedan, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan and the flagship vehicle, the Touareg.”

ARNEL Doria takes care of the tapas. Photos by Charles E. Buban

Helping Orbeta strengthen VW presence in the Philippines is Klaus Schadewald, the company’s new chief operating adviser. “I hope that my more than 25 years of work experience at Volkswagen in Germany and Australia can make VW the most approachable premium German brand in the country,” said Schadewald, who afterward invited guests to line up at the different food stalls positioned around the showroom.

Food servers

VW executives, including Orbeta and Schadewald, acted as food servers. “Let me mention one trivia for tonight’s event: VW is not only producing topnotch cars, as the company is also producing curry sausages—the Volkswagen Curry Sausage—and is today one of the largest curry sausage manufacturers in the world.

“Every year, more than eight million sausages find their way to all VW locations in the world. And it is now available in the Philippines,”  Schadewald said.

The food stations set up during the event represented the various Volkswagen locations around the world. The chili con carne and meatballs that represented Mexico and the United States markets were manned by Orbeta, while the goulash soup that represented Hungarian market was manned by  Nona Ong, VW Philippines CFO.

The tapas that represented the Spanish market was handled by Arnel Doria, VW Philippines marketing director, while the various sushi that represented the Japanese market was handled by Reggie See, VW Philippines aftersales director. Monette Gaela, the company’s HR head, handled the desserts station, while Jun Cajayon, VW Philippines sales director, as well as Josh Altarejos, VW Philippines product planning manager, took care of the various drinks.