Volkswagen Philippines’s decision to shift its source of vehicles to China may have one adverse effect: the discontinuation of its breakthrough Jetta and Golf GTS models.
Revealed by Volkswagen Philippines’s Chief Operating Adviser Klaus Schadewald at an informal media roundtable, he said that the company will have to “re-evaluate the product lineup based on existing demand for these two models.”
It must be noted that the newly-launched Lavida, which starts at P 1,171,000, makes the Jetta moot and academic because both these models compete in the compact sedan market. The situation’s the same with the Golf GTS which may see the axe in favor of the Chinese-market Gran Lavida.
Schadewald cited that the most compelling reason behind Volkswagen Philippines’s move to source their vehicles from Mainland China is that China-sourced cars are just taxed with just 5 percent import duties, as dictated in the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. This allows more Filipinos to have better access to German-engineered automobiles.
Schadewald added that, seen from a global perspective, the Volkswagen Group’s production and quality standards maintain the same world-class consistency across its 120 production plants in 20 European countries, and a further 11 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
In an official statement, Volkswagen Philippines says that regardless of source, all Volkswagen vehicles meet the premium German carmaker's world-class design, engineering, manufacturing, and safety standards that have cemented Volkswagen's reputation and heritage across cultures and generations.
Despite the impending discontinuation of the Jetta and Golf (and likely the Passat, Polo, and new Tiguan), Volkswagen Philippines reminds that these two models can be had with tempting deals which will run until stocks run out. Plus, they assure that all owners are guaranteed of continuous availability of parts and services.
Liars, if you personally inspect the outgoing Jetta to the new Lavida, there's a noticeable difference in quality. The Jetta feels more solid, has more soft touch materials and the materials used feels high quality. The new Lavida however, is full of hard plastics, I couldn't even find a single soft touch panel in there. It feels solid and durable, but none of the premium feel of the Jetta. Same case with the Golf GTS, the GTS that I inspected last year feels the same as the Jetta, although a bit newer. The current Golf GTS that they sell now feels similar to the Lavida. The steering wheel is noticeably thinner, the materials felt a notch lower. I'm planning to buy one in the past but I'll stick to the Japanese now.
ReplyDeleteI think you are looking for VW Sagitar or Lamando but it won't be as cheap as Lavida. VW Phideon is also interesting.
DeleteI would be surprised if they bring in VW Cross Lavida here.
The truth about VW China is that people in China also have access to imported VW cars sourced from Europe so that there is some compensation with having a full fledged European car without it being made in China. VW Philippines should not let current Jetta and Golf owners feel left out since changing the source of import could possibly neglect those who own the more "definitive" VWs and have less access to parts and maintenance.
ReplyDeleteTrue, loyal volkswagen unit owners of the jetta and golf feel betrayed by volkswagen. Imagine buying a jetta or a golf, then a year or less later, the car they bought is already phased out. If I am one of them, I would be disappointed of volkswagen. And take note the the already fully loaded Jetta 2.0 diesel comfortline was priced at 1.1m, a well equipped with a punchy diesel engine compared to the weaker gasoline engined and poorly equipped Lavida at 1.171m
DeleteIts like they took a huge step backward. The only thing synonymous with VW to many of those that knew it were their popular Beetle, Polo, Golf, Passat and so forth. These "unique" models from China feels different from the rest, then again people would be indifferent about it because of where its from. Only time will tell if these new models would click like that of the Jetta.
DeleteI think the Santana Sedan w, but not the Lavida and the Santana GTS. The Jetta has better equipment and specs than the Lavida (not to mention it has a Diesel engine) while managing to keep a lower sticker price. Same argument with the Santana GTS and Polo Hatchback (sans the Diesel engine). Why Volkswagen PH made that strange decision to change from selling global models to China models despite the pricing anomalies, I honestly don't know.
Delete*I think the Santana Sedan will be a potential hit for Volkswagen PH, but not...
DeleteWell the Lavida is built on a mk4 chassis, so its an old car, the Jetta is a mk6, so pretty much under chassis and frame is same as 4th gen golf and jetta, selling older cars, backward nga
DeleteThese are the taxi models in China. I used to say that VWs here are like a practical Audi. Now not anymore.
ReplyDeleteVW is crazy. Kalabanin ba naman ang Mazda na pinaka fun to drive and most premium and luxurious.
ReplyDeleteThat's good actually since Mazda might bring CX4 here.
DeleteFYI, Mazda ain't premium. BMW, Mercedes, Audi.. Those are premium.
DeleteSad that VW PH replaced the Jetta and Golf GTS with China models. Those 2 we're highly desirable cars. The diesel engine and well equipped interior will be missed.
ReplyDeleteWhile others wait for the new Jetta with MQB platform in it (with stunning dashboard and cockpit), the VW phils has already planned pala to phase it out here in phil. Maski VW Phils. pala is atrasado mag isip. I find the price range of current golf and jetta just right with the competition if that is what they are talking about.
ReplyDeleteFunny how the brand is perceived as 'premium' now, when it was originally a 'car for the masses' as originally intended by Herr Hitler.
ReplyDeleteActually, Sagitar is the same with Jetta, just different names..
ReplyDeleteThe Ayala Group will soon realize how idiotic bringing literal chinese prison cells on wheeels will be when the bring in Kia.
ReplyDeleteI was really looking forward for the new gen VW polo to arrive on our shores until I read this news. This is really frustrating. I don't know if I should wait some more or just go and get the little mazda 2.
ReplyDeleteGo get the Mazda 2, you won't regret it. Feature packed, well equipped, great quality and feel, great value compared to the others.
DeleteYes get the mazda. Its the most premium, most fun to drive, and has the best engine performance. Talo pa ang mga ferrari at lamborghini, pati na nga mga rolls royce. Most luxurious and premium daw eh.
DeleteBitter alert^^. Paki consider din kasi yung Honda City bro para hindi sila magselos.
DeleteBrand was never perceive as premium, they never sold it like bmw andsupra audi prices, is your preception.that they perceive it as premium. Vw are audi technology handed.down, they are yesterdays audi, and technically more sophisticated and still.faster and more performance oriented than.a toyota. If you cant afford german car but want the speed and.performance, those jetta are fast 8sec 0-60mph top speed 220kph, and.I habe done.it easily, all these toyota always wanna.muscle me. I justbleave them behind. Nobody ever saidbpremium, but yes they are yesterdays audi and.porsche
DeleteI totally agree with 10:37pm. Mazda2 actually has better interior compared to its competitors. And drives way better. The reason why I was patiently waiting for the new polo was because of the flat bottom steering wheel and also the new exterior is really awesome, longer wheel base and so much more. There's so much about that car which made me really disappointed when I read the news that its not going to be sold here. It really looks cool. You may call me a geek but its just the way I like it. Going back to mazda2, space is not a problem for me. If I need space, I can just switch cars, I guess you know what I mean. And to the guy who hates mazda; I don't know about you man. But let me tell you this. Before making a decision, I do a lot of research and test drives, well of course except for the new polo (pffft common sense). That is why I can say all of this. Whatever you say doesn't matter to me. Your comment above simply shows that you're still young or maybe you're just immature, or something like, amature first time car owner who thinks having a car or two makes them feel they already know everything about cars. Sorry for the word but its how I feel about you and that is based on your childish comment.
ReplyDeleteBlah blah blah. Are you done yapping?
DeleteTrue. He's just bitter you didn't consider their favorite Honda City.
DeleteActually I did check the honda jazz, but I did not like the interior. The dash is a mess, especially the crappy touch screen/capacitive volume and a/c controls and the fact that its cvt.. Each of us has his own taste so we have to respect that, and also each of us has a right to express his or her opinion and we have to respect that also. If you want to argue with someone, be civil and try to give a good argument as much as possible. Unlike that moron right there. That guy simply shows how ignorant and arrogant he is. He will gladly shove any honda car up his ass and spread hate on mazda all over the internet because he's definitely butt hurt that he got the wrong car.
DeleteI like how you people automatically assumed the guy has a honda yet he did not mention any honda, not even once. You guys are top tier geniuses. Ala sherlock holmes kayo no?
DeleteI don't need to argue with you cuz its also obvious that you're just another butt hurt sheep. Laugh out loud if you want to, but I'd still go for the mazda2 if the new polo won't make it here for atleast 6 months more. Okay lang naman sa akin mapadpad sa mazda e. Yun lang kasi kaya ng budget ko para sa subcompact car. I'm a minimalist, and a family guy looking for a decent small car that's fun to drive and the car totally suits me. Call me rabid, I don't care. You don't know me anyway.
DeleteYou know what's far better for VW Phil? Fire that Chief Operating Officer. He's trying to gain more market share in this country by selling cheaper made basic units that looks cheap just because its branded as VW? He really think he's going to create a dent in the Vios/City market and Fortuner/Montero market with those models? And just like that he makes the whole VW organization turn their backs on their loyal market since 2015? Siraulo pala siya eh.
ReplyDeleteAlso- hell, even VW China sells the non-China made models. And our ASEAN and Taiwan neighbors are still selling the premium units, even the Golf R. Siraulo talaga gusto gawing Tata ang VW.
We are still basically a third world country though. Most car buyers would still prefer cars targeted for non first world countries such as Fortuner, Vios and Innova while the market is already saturated with various luxury car brands. After they got rid of the cars affected deiselgate, VW has no other choice but to follow what Toyota is doing for several decades now. I don't think VW PH will completely abandon the euro spec cars like what Toyota PH is still offering Corolla, Prado and LC.
Deletethis "basically a third world country" actually sells more higher end models of fortuner and innova than the basic models. vios masmabenta ang basic models only because of the fleet market. when it comes to cars, price is just one of many factors in the local market.
DeleteQuestion, if they do bring in a fully loaded Touareg from Germany which may cost us around 6-8M (taxes and all) will you be able to afford it? Will you buy it? Let's say they bring it a fully loaded Golf which will be around let's say 2-3M, will you buy it? is it "affordable" enough for you?
DeleteApply ka nga sa VW as COO. Tignan natin kung matatanggap ka.
Delete"Apply ka nga sa VW as COO"
DeleteThat is the argument of an idiot. Sayang lang ang free data sa iyo boy. Malapit na pasukan, balik ka na sa achool hijo.
"Question, if they do bring in a fully loaded Touareg from Germany which may cost us around 6-8M (taxes and all) will you be able to afford it? Will you buy it? Let's say they bring it a fully loaded Golf which will be around let's say 2-3M, will you buy it? is it "affordable" enough for you?"
DeleteAffordable is different from perceived quality. But to answer your question... a fully loaded Golf meaning a Golf R at 3,0000,000? Bakit naman hindi? How many WRX's have Subaru sold all these years? And are you familiar with the gray market trading of the Civic Type R now? If you think people only buy vehicles because it's cheap then you need to reassess your life.
Such a promising start for VW when they opened few years ago.
ReplyDeleteNow they want to be "pang Grab"
DeleteA very good 'pang Grab' car since it has a rear AC vent. I would pick that feature over soft touch plastic. Lavida (even Jetta) is matched against Civic, Mazda 3, Focus and Altis not IS 350, C-Class, A4 or 3 Series.
DeleteLOL VW was never mentioned in the line of Lexus, MB, Audi or BMW... who ever told you that? Rear AC vent is the dealbreaker for you? If that what makes you happy then good for you! :)
DeleteThe Lavida feels cheap inside, without soft touch plastics, it feels cheap compared to the likes of the Civic, Mazda 3 or Ford Focus.
DeleteThe cheapest feeling is still the Elantra 2.0L to be honest.
DeleteRear AC is the deal breaker for you? Look no further, the Almera offers that ages ago.
Delete"In an official statement, Volkswagen Philippines says that regardless of source, all Volkswagen vehicles meet the premium German carmaker's world-class design, engineering, manufacturing, and safety standards that have cemented Volkswagen's reputation and heritage across cultures and generations."
ReplyDeleteIF THIS IS TRUE... then why is VW making the Santana and Lavida and the other China cars? Kung parehas lang pala eh di sana gumagawa sila ng Polo, Golf, Jetta sa China, like what other manufacturers do. They are misleading the public.
Actually, China manufactures Polo as well... since 2012.
Deletehttps://www.caradvice.com.au/184521/volkswagen-polo-production-starts-at-new-chinese-plant/
Yes and they also produce Jetta, Golf and even the CC in China... bakit di yun ang ipasok kung may tariff incentive din mga yan since galing China?
DeleteCan't blame VW. Kung mababa ang sales bkt pa pipilitin. Pustahan tyo mga nag negative comments dito d naman bumili ng VW, LOLOLOL
ReplyDeleteBumili ako ng GTS. Kakainis lang na phseout na. No matter what VW will say about servicing discontinued models, this will mean that down the road hindi na nila priority ang GTS so parts inventory will suffer.
DeleteDitto here. Its one thing to offer a limited edition model of a car like a Honda Civic Type R but something like a Golf GTS or a Jetta that they sold for only a year and then wala na? Paano na yung clientele nila? Magiging exclusive kung baga yung parts and service, thus price will increase and availability will be scarce. Maghihintay tayo ng parts ng ilang buwan imbis na ilang linggo lang. Hope they checked their logistics on this issue.
DeleteI know I am late in commenting here but I just want to share my thoughts on this topic. I think VW Philippines should not totally abandon their offering of German made models. I can understand them wanting to make more sales here by offering cheaper models since not everyone wants or can afford the German made models. They should also consider that not everyone wants the cheaper models or cannot afford the German models. In abandoning the previously introduced Passat, Tiguan, GTI, they are losing potential customers also. This decision made by the people in VW Philippines is so frustrating.
ReplyDeleteEven VW Indonesia offers the MK7 Golf in their lineup of cars. Are we that bad to lose out to them and have to bear with inferior products.
ReplyDeleteYou should continue to market jetta, passat and tiguan here to give the filipinos more flexibility in choosing. Bring-in the MK7 Jetta (2019), Golf and Tiguan.
ReplyDeleteI feel like volkswagen phils are racist they think filipinos are cheap and only buys and inferiors i would rather buy ssangyong they sell their premiums here.
ReplyDeleteWell I agree, 3rd world coubtry are look down.:) we get Asean toyota like fortuner, first world gets 4runner, we get hilux.they get tacoma. Even our camry are not the same, ours is.asean, standaeda and specs are not the same. Yetwe pay more money, yet we get substandard products
DeleteThat's the reason why it's no longer marketable because they always phase out the model.
ReplyDelete