Volkswagen, one of the world’s most well-loved brands, aptly called “The People’s Car” is finally back in the Philippines, as it  rolls off today at the Ayala Tower One and Exchange Plaza, Makati City. Highlighting Volkswagen’s heart and essence, the launch, with the theme “The Time is Now” highlights the company’s brand heritage, passion and vision.

“Volkswagen started with a vision. When Ferdinand Porsche developed the first Volkswagen prototype, his dream was to create a car that was affordable for everyone. This idea of “mobility for all” for people across all ages stands for the foundation on which our brand is built,” says Mr. Weiming Soh, Executive Vice President Volkswagen AG, President Commercial Operations of Greater China and ASEAN.


“The time to come back to the Philippines is now,” Soh added. He furthers, “The ASEAN market, including the merging market in the Philippines is the next frontier for Volkswagen in the Asia Pacific Region.” “We are very excited to reconnect with the Filipino market, knowing how well loved Volkswagen is in the Philippines. “Volks,” being a status icon here, as it is around the world, is like no other car before or after,” Soh added.

Today, Volkswagen Group is the largest European automotive manufacturer, featuring 12 brands such as Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ducati, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania and MAN. Currently, the Volkswagen Group operates in 104 production plants around the world, with more than 550,000 employees producing more than 37,700 vehicles per working day.

During the launch, Volkswagen showcased cars that are well-loved all over the world, including the Touareg, Touran, Tiguan, Phaeton, Golf, CC, Polo Hatchback, Beetle Cabriolet and of course, the Beetle Classic.


Soh also acknowledged The Ayala Group, an equally strong corporation backed with long and illustrious heritage and record of success as Volkswagen’s partner. “A strong partner is critical to our success; hence I am personally delighted that we have forged an alliance with The Ayala Group. Together with Ayala Corporation, let us all celebrate the return of the original “People’s Car”,” Soh said.

For their part, Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and Chief Operating Officer of Ayala Corporation, says “Ayala Automotive Holdings Corporation is honored to be instrumental in bringing back an icon to the Filipino people. A heritage brand, Volkswagen is indeed the original people’s car, and as a company that cares deeply about the Filipinos, that is a personal pride for us.”