Auto Asia dealerships to house both SsangYong and Changan brands

SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines and Berjaya Auto Asia, Inc. executive director Eng Hwa Tan, chairman Dato Francis Lee, and president Japheth Castillo raise a glass during the Changan brand launch and dealership opening.

Two dependable automotive brands are coming together under one roof in Laguna to test a new undertaking meant to make waves in the country’s ever-growing motoring landscape.

Called Auto Asia, the first dealership along National Road, Purok 3, Pulong Sta. Cruz in Sta. Rosa City was inaugurated last Thursday. The  1,300-square meter-facility will sell and service products from South Korean automaker SsangYong and Chinese automobile manufacturer Changan.

“When a buyer walks into Auto Asia dealership, one can choose from a wide range of products from SUVs, pickup trucks, MPVs, or small trucks for both the family and one’s business. And they will get the same brand of sales and after-sales service that puts the customer first,” says Japheth Castillo, president of SsangYong Berjaya Motor Philippines, Inc. and Berjaya Auto Asia, Inc.

The second floor of the Auto Asia dealership

Aside from Auto Asia’s spacious and stylish showroom for the two Asian brands, the dealership is also equipped with eight service areas capable of servicing both SsangYong and Changan models.

Five of these service bays have lifters to ensure that the vehicle to be serviced is truly cared for. There will also be tire changers, and wheel balancing and alignment machines to make it easier for the staff to service the vehicles.

“To complement the dealership, and taking into account the location of some of our customers, Auto Asia also has a Mobile Service Van that is equipped to provide periodic maintenance service to customers within a 100-kilometer radius from the dealership,” shares Castillo.

Ssangyong XLV

Ssangyong Tivoli

A specially designed Changan Star Truck is built for this purpose so it could not only cover the said distance, but also carry all the necessary service equipment and tools to give customers quality service and total peace of mind.

Two outstanding brands

Just recently, it was announced that SsangYong has made it into the top three passenger vehicle manufacturers in South Korea. SsangYong, known as an SUV specialist in South Korea, has seen its domestic volumes more than double in the past five years, in a market that is growing in single digits.

Castillo says that for the SsangYong brand, Auto Asia will initially sell the Tivoli subcompact SUV, the Rodius 9-seater MPV, and the Musso pickup, including the recently unveiled long-wheelbase Musso Grand and the Rexton 7-seat midsize SUV.

From left Councilor Antonio Tuzon, Japheth Castillo, Dato Francis Lee and Eng Hwa Tan cutting the ceremonial ribbon

The Musso Grand not only comes with leaf spring suspensions, it also carries the most spacious cargo bed, making it the longest pick-up truck in the market.

The Musso line will also be the only pick-up model that offers two suspension options—coil springs and leaf springs.

Meanwhile, the Rexton, which serves as the basis for the Musso, is now regarded as the widest medium-sized SUV in the market, offering a spacious cabin, a tastefully designed interior with superb craftsmanship, and a comfortable ride.

Changan Star Truck

Changan Honor S

For the Changan, Castillo shares that the brand is one of China’s five biggest automakers with a history that stretches back 154 years. Changan is the very first Chinese brand to ever produce and sell over 1 million passenger vehicles in a single year.

Changan’s vehicles are exported to more than 50 countries and regions in South America, Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa.

Initial offering

“The brand’s initial offering here will include the Honor S, a seven-seater MPV that features sliding doors for easy ingress and egress, as well as the Star Truck, a small truck which will cater to small- and medium-scale businesses. Changan will certainly complement Ssang Yong’s product offerings.”

Castillo says Auto Asia is set to open additional dealerships in and around Luzon, including Metro Manila; Visayas; and Mindanao.

“This means anyone looking to buy a SsangYong or Changan vehicle can rest easy knowing that they can always count on quality service. Our service is distance-based, meaning one only pays for the equivalent distance from the dealership. This is on top of the usual charges for Periodic Maintenance Service.”

This becomes even cheaper for SsangYong since it offers free three-year service (parts, oil, and labor) for all its vehicles. There is a 5-year warranty only for SsangYong, while warranty for Changan differs between models, whether it is a commercial or passenger vehicle.

For more information about the SsangYong Rexton, one could always visit Auto Asia Sta. Rosa or contact 09178048838, 09178065150 (for service inquiries), e-mail: customer.care@baai.ph or visit Facebook via SsangYong Philippines and Auto Asia Sta. Rosa.