Bond’s car of choice arrives in Manila

The Aston Martin at the BGC showroom

Hooray for the aspiring spy with style. Bridgestone’s Marc Tagle and luxury car distributor Wellington Soong have partnered up to bring Aston Martin to Manila.

Car enthusiasts and Manila’s who’s who joined in the festivities at the state-of-the-art showroom at the W Fifth building in Bonifacio Global City. The Marque’s first showroom in the country is part of the ongoing expansion in the supercar-loving Asian market.

The British luxury sportscar maker and grand tourer was founded in 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, and made famous in James Bond films, starting in the 1964 “Goldfinger” up to the Daniel Craig-starred installments.

Aston Martin has had a colorful history, including being once owned by Ford Motor Co.

Welcoming the announcement of the new dealership in Manila, Aston Martin Asia-Pacific regional director Patrik Nilsson said: “The economic growth in Asia-Pacific represents a huge potential for the brand. I am very pleased that we have found the perfect partners in Manila who share our passion for Aston Martin. This expansion will surely strengthen our network.”

I had the chance to chat with Nilsson, and he explained to me the difference between the Aston Martin and other supercars. Basically, he said, an Aston Martin can afford you the drive from Paris to Monaco in your formals and arrive ready to party the night away. Comfort is, and foremost, its priority, i.e., while traveling at 200 plus miles per hour.

Aston Martin Manila will carry the full range in Manila—from the track-inspired Vantage, the timeless DB9, and the elegant four-door Rapide S, to the ultimate in sporting luxury, the Vanquish.

British Ambassador Asif Ahmad

In an interview, Tagle confirmed that orders have been taken on models even before the official opening of the dealership, including the limited production Vantage GT12 (only 100 of these to be built). Tagle admitted that there are already confirmed orders even before the models could be launched.

Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach with Liz Almoro and Victor Aliwalas

Aston Martin Manila will also offer door-to-door pickup and delivery services for maintenance and repair of customers’ vehicles. Owners can rest assured that their cars will be maintained by Aston Martin-certified technicians using the brand’s latest diagnostic equipment and tools.

“We will welcome all Aston Martin owners at our new state-of-the-art aftersales facility, including those who imported their cars prior to our official presence. This will be a new start for existing Aston Martin customers,” Tagle said.

Aston Martin Manila promises a full range of the super brand.

“The luxury car segment is steadily growing in the Philippines, and I am very happy that Aston Martin enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy ownership of these exclusive luxury sportscars” he added.

From left, Aston Martin Manila (AMM) managing director Nicky Mariano, actress Isabelle Daza, Aston Martin Asia-Pacific regional director Patrik Nilsson, AMM director Leslie Tagle-Dinglasan, AMM chairman and president Marc Tagle, AMM director Jason Soong, Aston Martin Asia-Pacific marketing and PR manager Daniel Redpath, AMM director Marc Soong, and actress Solenn Heussaff.