Maxus boosts Ayala auto business’s position in CV segment

AYALA Corporation’s AC Industrials, under which AC Motors belongs, on June 5 marked the launch of Maxus Philippines — the sixth brand to join the group’s automotive manufacturing and distributorship portfolio.

According to the company, Maxus is owned by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) after the China-based conglomerate acquired the assets of Leyland DAF Vans (LDV) in 2010. LDV, which succeeded Leyland Motors in 2004, established the Maxus brand during the same year via the introduction of the prototype LD100 van.

Maxus Philippines president Felipe Estrella in a speech delivered during the brand’s launch event said Maxus could “trace its roots to 1896 when the Leyland Steam Van was built.”

“While new to the local market, Maxus is already an accomplished automotive brand in the global sphere,” the executive said.

Maxus Philippines noted Maxus is currently distributed in Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Africa, and is “firmly established” in the European and global commercial vehicle market.

“It is this European heritage, coupled with the scale and global support of SAIC, that provides AC Industrials with the confidence to introduce Maxus to the fast-growing Philippine market,” Estrella said.

Maxus V80

Accompanying the launch of Maxus’s distribution operation in the Philippines was the introduction of the Maxus G10 family MPV and the V80 Comfort, Flex and Transport vans. Prices for the models are set between P1.190 million and P1.680 million.

Maxus G10

The G10 is an MPV that can seat nine passengers. It is equipped with four captain’s seats, an audio system with a seven-inch touchscreen panel and USB and Bluetooth connections, a 220-volt power outlet, and front and rear air-conditioning, among other items. Its safety features include driver, front passenger and side airbags, Isofix child seats, and front and rear parking sensors.

Powering the vehicle is a Euro4-compliant 1.9-liter, VGT diesel engine that makes 148hp and 350Nm. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The V80 Comfort can seat 13 and is proposed as a school bus or a shuttle service vehicle. Maxus said the model can carry a payload of up to 1.1 tons. It is powered by a 2.5-liter CRDI diesel engine with VGT.

The V80 Transport variant can seat even more — 18 passengers. The V80 Flex trades in passenger accommodations for cargo-hauling capacity, and is targeted at SMEs. The Transport and Flex have the same engine as the V80 Comfort.

Estrella explained the automotive brands under AC Industrials “offer unique value propositions to particular segments,” and that Maxus is “envisioned” to be “very competitive in the commercial vehicle category, particularly in the passenger van and MPV segments.”

Other automotive brands handled by AC Industrials are Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Kia and KTM.

Maxus Philippines General Manager Reginald See said the brand “will establish a dealership network that will be accessible to customers.” The executive bared the brand’s first showroom and after-sales facilities will be located in Mandaluyong City. Dealerships in ASEANA Manila Bay, Paranaque, Quezon Avenue and Cebu will follow, according to See.

Maxus Philippines said the G10 and all V80 variants will need PMS only when the vehicles reach their first 5,000 kilometers.  Succeeding services are scheduled after 10,000 kilometers, or once a year, whichever comes first. All models are covered by a three-year or 100,000-kilometer warranty. Also offered are 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, pickup and delivery service for customers, and on-site servicing for corporate fleet accounts.