STAR Corp. managing director, Mark Andrew Tieng, welcomed everyone and shared the significant milestones of the company in the Philippines over the past two years; in particular, 1) the introduction of euro-4 compliant, fuel efficient, world-class vehicles like the BYD S6 SUV, the BYD L3 sedan, the BYD F0 micro mini, the BYD F5 Suri with remote control technology, the BYD F3 sedan, a vehicle offering specific for taxi and fleet operations; 2) the growth of its After Sales services, which vouches for STAR Corp’s long term commitment to the Philippine market that its operations are in full scale, offering vehicle sales, spare parts, and services; 3) the expansion of its corporate partnerships, from dealerships, banks, to fleet car alliances, signifying a growing trust and confidence in BYD as a strategic partner in providing complete solutions to meet customers’ automotive needs; 4) and STAR Corp’s continued pursuit of its “green dream”, as it looks forward to the day when eVehicles can occupy a portion of the nation’s highways and roadways and a future when green car space is the norm rather than the exception, ” as it advocates the passage of the Alternative Fuel Vehicles Act or House Bill 387, its participation in the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines’ (EVAP) campaign for One Million EVs on Philippine Roads by 2020, and its introduction of the BYD Qin, one of the more advanced vehicles available for the local market, and the first and only plug-in hybrid sports saloon in the country.
Tieng also gave a glimpse of BYD’s future in the country including network expansion, aggressive sales, and the introduction of more BYD cars, which will be responsive to the growing needs of the market, as well as the promotion of green motoring.
“We would like to thank all of you, especially our media friends for your continued support. BYD Philippines has nothing but happy and satisfied customers. Along with our dedicated and hardworking dealerships and employees, we aspire to do more for our customers which is our promise and commitment.” said Tieng.
Present at the celebration was Liu Xue Liang, general manager, Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division of BYD Auto, who expounded on the global success of BYD. According to Liang, “with over 5,000 zero-emission electric buses delivered worldwide and thousands more units ordered and under production, BYD is by far the world’s largest maker of pure electric buses. Its electrified transportation solutions are currently running in over 150 cities in 37 countries, beating the US and Japan in technology and sales.”
Likewise, Liang added that “BYD was recently recognized in Fortune Magazine's first list of companies that have made a sizable impact on major global social or environmental problems as part of their competitive strategy. Currently, BYD is no. 15 on the list.”
Not forgotten at the celebration were the members of the motoring media, who received the BYD Makata Awards for the stories they wrote on BYD and its cars. BYD owners, meanwhile, were also feted during the evening with special awards rewarding best car care practices for On Time Regular Service award, Best Accessorized Car, Best in Interior and Exterior, and Most Loved Car.
STAR Corp also organized several activities for the participants, from a display of BYD’s Qin and F0 race car, test drives of BYD. Prizes worth over P200,000 were also were raffled off including a pair of autographed Manny Pacquiao boxing gloves, who likewise owns a BYD F5.
BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams”, is a global automotive brand that specializes in gasoline, electric, and hybrid cars, and is distributed in the Philippines by Solar Transport and Automotive Resources Corp. (Star Corp.). Its showrooms are located in Metro Manila (Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City) and another in Concepcion, Batangas and a sales/showroom facility in San Pascual, Batangas.