Green and modern approach to auto maintenance and repair

By Charles E. Buban Philippine Daily Inquirer August 08,2018

Drive+ Quezon Avenue facade

Most of us do not want to see the inside of an auto repair and service shop. Not only is the visit usually tied to high expenses, but the place is typically dull and unappealing, sometimes smelling of oil and grime.

The newly opened Drive+ Car Care Center located at 81 Panay Avenue/1320 Quezon Avenue (near the corner of Timog Avenue) is definitely changing all these old impressions.

The over 2,000-square-meter facility may be regarded as the most modern and “green,” as it complies with the Quezon City’s Green Building Ordinance of 2009.

“Today, there is lots of conversation about green building issues and reducing our personal carbon footprints. Even for an automotive repair and service shop we should consider all these. I think we have done a great job here as we are ready to provide our customers the best service and at the same time, a different experience,” says Drive+ Car Care Center brand manager Jason Manabat.

For customers entering the Quezon avenue side, they will be greeted by a hotel-like reception area where staff is ready to entertain inquiries.

The service adviser at the reception has a checklist of all the services that is needed, and should the mechanic/technician during the work process detect a problem or concern, it will be relayed immediately to the owner.

According to Manabat, Drive+ Car Care Center is a full-service preventive maintenance and automotive repair center with oil, lube and filter change to underchassis servicing.

“We have 14 service bays run by our highly skilled mechanics, and we also teamed up with some of the top automotive brands including Continental, Falken, Hankook, CEAT, Total, Motul, Sonax and Bendix.”

He adds that since Drive+ Car Care Center caters to all automotive brands and makes, premium/luxury or otherwise, the facility must also offer services that should rival, if not, exceed the service centers of these brands.

“We not only set our price very competitively with these service centers, but are also in the process of sending our mechanics to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority so they can receive their Automotive Servicing NC II certificates,” adds Manabat.

Manabat explains that this is the reason why the family decided on a top notch facility that complies with the city green building standards: 50 kW solar power system installed on the roof, LED lighting on all sections of the facility, high floor to ceiling design that promotes natural air exchange and entry of natural light, a waste management system, and even an indoor vertical garden.

“We also offer modern comforts like WiFi, a first class and modern lounge with a personalized entertainment facility for any waiting customer.”

Caverous service area offers with 14 service bays

The unveiling of Drive+ Car Care Center was led by Manabat and former APAC sales head of Continental Tires, Peter Hoffman.

Manabat proudly introduced the center’s expert advisers and accredited staff. He also talked about its services: a trustworthy and top-of-the-line car care, as well as the first-class and modern lounge.

In his welcome speech, he said: “It is of great pride that we’ve always been an advocate for quality in making sure we provide only what we know will be of great value to the Filipino motoring consumers. By value, we do not only refer to the superior brands we can offer through this business center, but more so, the best services and customer experience we can provide.”

He added: “At Drive+ Car Care Center, we are committed to deliver more value to our customers in a manner that we have mastered throughout decades of experience with Tire Boy, our first concept service center.

“We operate with impeccable work ethics and a professional management team, all focused on making sure we are highly productive, efficient and most importantly trustworthy in serving our ever growing client base.”

The Manabat family’s roots started with JM Auto Supply, their first business, which was established in 1960 in the heart of Binondo, Manila by Jugo Manabat.

In the 70s, through the leadership of Winston Manabat, the company evolved into a tire importer, then known as JM Far East Inc.

In the 90s, JM further demonstrated its passion for quality by distributing world famous brands such as Yokohama, Goodyear, Dunlop, Falken, Hankook, General and Continental tires all over the country.

With the family’s passion for quality came the opening of Tire Boy, a service center located on Maria Clara Street in Banawe in the year 2000.

From left, Jason Manabat, Drive+ consultant Peter Hoffman, Drive+ Designer Gary Caldwell, Drive+ CEO Lily Manabat, and JM Far East Inc. CEO Winston Manabat

This was the family’s first venture into the automotive service industry.

The advocacy and mission of this business was to deliver high quality car care services and products as an alternative to car dealerships and an after-sales support.

In upholding its core value of quality service, the store successfully gained renown as one of the most reliable and capable service centers in the Banawe area in just two years.

After successfully delivering value to the Philippine market and accomplishing its mission, the next step was to provide customers with the best possible car care experience. Hence, the Drive+ Car Care Center was born.

“Our initiative to transition into a world class service center is our testament to having a higher purpose as opposed to simply earning money. This is our way of enriching the car care scene through providing an unparalleled customer experience” Manabat said.

Impressive view of the reception area fronting Quezon Avenue

“We pride ourselves in upholding our corporate values and ethical business practices despite adversities because we believe that this is what separates us from the rest and makes us who we are. With the opening of Drive+ Car Care Center, we don’t just offer products and services. We offer expertise, value for money and a relationship with customers like no other.”

At Drive+, customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal. With 20 years of experience in all kinds of auto tire repair, Drive+ can get it right the first time and make sure that your vehicle will get back on the road, running safe and functional.

Drive+ is open from Mondays to Saturdays at 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. To know more about Drive+ services and other information, call 398-2222.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.