SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – Automotive trader Velocity Motor Sales Corp. broke ground here on Friday for a P220-million full-scale Isuzu dealership that targets the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay Freeport area and the province of Zambales.
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma graced the ground-breaking rites led by Velocity Motors president Jason Hao and company director Jeffrey Hao Lin at the Subic Gateway District along with guests Isuzu Philippines Corp. president Hajime Koso and Isuzu Philippines Corp. sales division head Joseph Bautista.
“This is a landmark day for all of us, as this shows us how vibrant the business climate in Subic Freeport is,” Eisma said in her congratulatory message.
“This is a signal of the kind of confidence that investors like you have in the Subic Bay Freeport,” she also told Velocity and Isuzu officials.
Velocity top honcho Jason Hao said the company will put up an Isuzu dealership with display showroom and parts and service center. The dealership will conduct all ancillary and related activities for the popular automotive brand.
The company signed a lease term of 50 years for a 5,000-square meter lot at the Subic Gateway District to house the showroom and service center. The facilities are expected to be completed within two years at a total construction cost of P100 million.
Isuzu Philippines President Koso said, “Today we are marking here a milestone for the Isuzu Philippines Corporation, as we break the ground for the construction of the new Isuzu dealership. Subic is primed to become the most competitive international service and logistics center in Southeast Asia.”
“With this opportunity, Subic is positioned to become an automotive and transportation solution hub for the growing transportation needs in the province of Zambales,” he added.
Established in 1995, Isuzu Philippines Corp. is into the assembly of commercial vehicles such as the Crosswind AUV and D-MAX pickup truck, along with light- to heavy-duty trucks and buses that provide maximum performance and reliability while on the road.
Isuzu’s Subic dealer is expected to supply much-needed commercial vehicles and trucks for the growing automotive market in the Subic Bay area. (Dante M. Salvana)