Fuel quality delays entry of gasoline-powered VWs

Well, that’s the bad news.

 

The good news is that the Volkswagen brand is making a comeback in this part of the world, to be kicked off in a major event on Sept. 28 and 29 at the Ayala Greenbelt Park. The first batch of mostly SUVs and MPVs ready for reservation at the Volkswagen Bonifacio Global City showroom starting Sept. 28 will consist of: The Jetta 2.0 TDI (P1.295 million); Touran 2.0 TDI (P1.775 million); Tiguan 2.0 TDI (P2.109 million) and Touareg V6 TDI (P4.290 million).

 

Notice that all these are diesel-powered. This much was confirmed in a Sept. 23 roundtable discussion between the motoring media and Automobile Central Enterprise Inc. (Acei), the official distributor of Volkswagen in the country, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ayala Automotive Holdings Corp. (AAHC): Only diesel-powered VWs will be offered in the Philippines, for now.

 

The reason the German automaker cited for holding out on the gasoline-powered ones: the presence of manganese in the unleaded fuel of several oil companies in the Philippines.

 

The Department of Energy, in a text message, confirmed with Inquirer Motoring that traces of manganese were, indeed, found in unleaded gasoline as a substitute to lead.

 

Arnel Doria, Acei head of sales and marketing, explained that the German company contracted an independent laboratory and tested several brands of gasoline from the “big three” and other small oil players nationwide. Test results showed the presence of manganese as an additive. Doria added that followup tests showed that the “big three” were cleared, but were nevertheless required to submit a certification that they do not use manganese in their fuels.

 

Doria, however, noted that “VW engineers already gave conditional approval for petrol engines.” Approval is “subject to certain conditions such as only petrol that is free of metal additives be used,” he added.

 

John Philip S. Orbeta, AAHC chair and president, confirmed Doria’s findings.

 

“Unfortunately, we are not privy to the research. This was done by Volkswagen independently. I think they do it worldwide and do spot checks every so often. We were very disappointed when we were told we could not bring in gasoline-powered cars. Why? The fuel is bad. It was as simple as that,” Orbeta recounted.

 

Orbeta added that Volkswagen will still continue to do the fuel tests.

 

Doria explained, “Lead is already a banned substance, so some oil companies use manganese to maintain the high octane in their gasoline. But there are some technical issues that involve engines being damaged by manganese. From a health point of view, according to the research (Volkswagen) sent to us from Europe, manganese also affects the human nervous system similar to lead.”

 

Gray market

 

During the roundtable discussion, the media asked Acei’s plan on Volkswagen units bought from “gray” market importers.

 

“At the end of the day, they are badged as Volkswagen, and we will accept them in our shops, but they will have to pay a premium,” stressed Orbeta.

 

Aside from the main Acei dealership in BGC, there will also be another dealership in Cebu. The company is also eyeing one in the Quezon City area and in Alabang or Cavite.

 

The launch event, called “The People’s Car Celebration” at the Ayala Greenbelt Park this weekend, will showcase various facets of the Volkswagen brand through special booths all over Greenbelt, such as a Brand and Heritage gallery, Think Blue photo booth, mini concerts at the Volkswagen Plaza, a Racing Pavilion, and Innovations Zone.

 

On display at the Greenbelt Park and Ayala Museum include world models Scirocco R., Golf MK7 and Passat.

 

A special game will be held during the launch, with the winner bringing home a 21st-century Beetle. Check out www.timeforvolkswagen.com or www.volkswagen.com.ph.