Auto Group opens Ford dealership in Subic free port

SUBIC BAY FREE PORT—With committed investments of $800,000, the Laus Auto Group has opened a Ford automotive dealership in the Subic Bay free port, the first such venture in a place previously known for imported used cars.

In Photo: Levy Laus (center with lei), founder and chairman of the Laus Auto Group, opens his Ford dealership at the Subic Bay free port. With him during the inauguration rites are officials of Ford Philippines and the Business Group of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. (Henry Empeño)

Levy Laus, chairman and founder of the Laus Auto Group, said his company has “taken this pioneering step to serve the vehicle and service requirements, not only of locators inside the Subic free port, but also the people of Zambales, Olongapo City and Bataan.”

Ford Subic, also known as West Coast Automotive, is the fifth dealership to be put up in the country under the Laus Group and the company’s fourth operation north of Metro Manila. The company also has showrooms in San Fernando, Pampanga; Cabanatuan City, Dagupan City; and Libis, Quezon City.

Laus said Ford Subic now offers a strong line-up of Ford’s “Built Tough” vehicles, including the fast and economical Ford Focus, the real-adventure SUV Ford Escape, the tough and stylish Ford Ranger, the all-action Ford Everest, the bolder and safer Ford Explorer, the ultra-spacious Ford E-150 Club Wagon and the best ultra-luxury full- size SUV Ford Expedition.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Business and Investment Group said the Laus group, reputedly the largest multibrand automotive network in the Philippines today, joined the growing number of business locators here just as when the free port was shrugging off the effects of the global economic crisis.

“We have to admit that this has a significant impact on the free port zone economy,” said SBMA senior deputy administrator for business Stefani Saño. “Everyone was stepping on the brakes, but Levy is stepping on the gas. And he has proven something here.”

Saño also said that Ford Subic is Subic’s first and only company to engage in the sale and distribution of branded high-end motor vehicles, spare parts, accessories, tires, batteries and other related products.

The company’s showroom, which sits on a 1,175-square meter lot at the Gateway Business Park, could accommodate five cars at a time and has eight fully geared up service bays. The firm initially would employ 20 workers.

Laus said the company has made “one of the best corporate decisions in coming to locate here in the Subic Freeport Zone.”

“I think we have chosen a very good location inside the Subic free port because this has become a very busy trading spot. So our confidence level is high,” Laus added.

As for his company’s product line, Laus said that all the vehicles they would be selling in Subic are backed up by advanced technology that the Ford automotive company is well-known for. Written by Henry Empeño - businessmirror.com.ph