San Jose del Monte City welcomes its first auto dealership

Now open for business is the 12,908-square-meter dealership located at the corner of Quirino Avenue and Pleasant Hills Road. It is the Oben Group’s sixth dealership outlet and the 67th Toyota dealership in the Philippines.

From right, TSJ vice chair Virgilio Angeles, TSJ president Cosco Oben, TSJ director Tess Oben-Reyes, TSJ chairman Rey Oben, Suzuki, Atienza and Toyota PH First Vice President of Customer Service Operations Rainnier Gregorio.

The idea of being first to move in to a certain location is similar to the old adage, “the early bird gets the worm” as one is able to establish strong brand recognition and product/service loyalty before other entrants. This holds true especially in the automotive business where one should be always on the lookout for growth opportunities—even if that business is already the Japanese juggernaut, Toyota.

“We bring with us Toyota’s ‘Best in Town’ philosophy. As the Oben Group strives to achieve its ultimate goal to be the most trusted and reliable group of automotive dealerships in the country, we recognize the wisdom of Mr. Akio Toyoda (Toyota Motors Corp. president) as he said, and I quote: ‘Everyone says Toyota is the best company in the world, but the customer does not care about the world. They care if we are the best in town, or not.’ Indeed, what really matters is the quality of service the dealership provides and the customers’ relationship with the dealership in their corner of the world,” says  Oben as he joined his father and company chair Atty. Reginaldo Oben in welcoming guests and customers to the newly opened Toyota San Jose, Bulacan or TSJ.

The 12,908-square-meter TSJ located at the corner of Quirino avenue and Pleasant Hills Road is Oben Group’s 6th dealer outlet and the 67th Toyota dealership in the Philippines.

San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arthur Robes

“Through the invaluable support of couples, Mayor Arthur Robes and Rep. Florida Robes, we are able to build the first automotive dealership in the heart of the ‘Rising City,’ which the city of San Jose del Monte is now referred to,” says Oben who was accompanied by their chair, lawyer Reginaldo Oben.

Unique brand

Oben shares that TSJ would let its customers experience Toyota’s unique brand of service. “The TSJ dealership promises to extend the brand’s ‘MALASAKIT’ Core Value with environmental measures to limit its consumption of resources and toxic emissions.”

To ensure that TSJ’s 5,994-sqm building is as environmental-friendly as possible, the facility features a 65,000-liter rainwater reservoir, plus wastewater containment. These are designed to lessen clean water usage, as well as making sure the water coming out from the property will have the least impact on the environment. Solar panel power technology, on the other hand, is also being utilized to minimize electric consumption. “These are very ideal, now that we need to act and minimize production of greenhouse gases and its effects to the planet,” adds Oben who thanks brother-in-law, Architect Anthony Nazareno and his partner Arch. Chris Guerrero who designed the whole facility.

Aside from having eco-friendly features, the TSJ dealership offers two conference rooms, two VIP rooms, a canteen, sales showroom, and parts counter. It also has a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Corner, for people who would love to upgrade their vehicle with TRD-branded parts.

Service bays

TSJ has three bays for Express Maintenance Service, another three for Preventive Maintenance Service, 19 General Job Service bays, five car wash bays, and more than 20 bays for the Body and Paint Facility.

For the convenience and comfort of the whole family, the TSJ dealership is equipped with a kiddie center and a customer lounge.

TOYOTA PH president Satoru Suzuki (second from left) turns over the Kabuto, an ancient Japanese war helmet which is the symbolic token for dealers, to Atty. Reginaldo Oben during the opening. With them are Cosco Oben, president of the Oben Group, and Jing Atienza, SVP for Marketing of Toyota PH.

“I am very positive that TSJ will bring excellence in our service to meet our ever-changing customer expectations and thus be the best dealership in this corner of the region. TSJ, like the rest of our network of dealerships, offers superior customer experience for the San Joseños. As the needs and expectations of customers evolve, we have come to realize that it is no longer just about the car, it’s more about the people. This is the reason why in the Oben Group, we build relationships with our customers beyond the average upgrade cycle to the latest model. For our Team Members, simply selling, servicing or providing parts is not enough. They always go the extra mile to anticipate what our customers need and help them get the most out of their Toyota,” assures Oben.

TSJ president Cosco Oben

Helping the expansion of the Oben Group in a big way is employee satisfaction. Cosco believes that a happy employee will always think of ways on how to gain delighted customers.

“We adhere to 8 core values that guide us in everything that we do in all our dealerships for us to sustain a positive culture. It ain’t just postings on the wall, we make sure we practice and embody them inside and outside the workplace.”

OBEN Group chair Reginaldo Oben

He adds that the investment in TSJ is demonstrable of the Group’s successful partnership with Toyota Motor Philippines, whose wise counsel and staunch support gave the Group the confidence to push through with this project until its completion. “We look forward to welcoming all the San Joseños in our dealership and give them the quality of service with trust and reliability which the Oben Group has been known for in the past 29 years in the industry.”