British-Chinese Vehicle Brand Maxus is Ayala Unit’s Sixth Automotive Brand in PH
Ayala unit AC Industrials officially launched Maxus as its sixth automotive brand partner in the Philippines on Wednesday, June 5.
AC Industrials already distributes car brands Honda, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Kia, and KTM Motorcyles.
The Maxus brand has been in existence since 1896, when it introduced the Leyland Steam Van, making it at least 123 years old. Owner LDV Group, which succeeded Leyland Motors, sold the Maxus brand in 2010 to the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), the state-owned Chinese design and manufacturing corporation.
AC Industrials first announced the partnership with Maxus in October 2018.
Felipe Estrella and Reginald See, president and general manager of Maxus Philippines, at the launch of the brand in the Philippines on Wednesday, June 5
Passenger and cargo vans
At the launch, Maxus introduced two models that will be initially sold in the Philippine market. The G10, the flagship model, is a nine-seater MPV with a Euro4 1.9-liter, six-speed AT diesel engine. It has four “captain’s seats” in the second and third row, front and rear parking sensors, and seven-inch touchscreen entertainment control with USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Maxus Philippines says it is offering the G10 at a special introductory price of P1.680 million.
The V80, meanwhile is avaalable in Comfort, Flex and Transport variants. The Comfort can seat 13 and can load up to a maximum of 1.1 tons. It is powered by a 2.5-liter CRDI diesel engine and has dual front airbags, anti-lock brake system (ABS), and rear proximity sensors. Price starts at P1.570 million.
The V80 Flex variant, meanwhile, possesses the same body dimensions, engine and safety features and load capacity as the Comfort, but has only three-seats and is made specifically for small and medium entrepreneurs and the safe and efficient transport of their cargo. Starting price of the Flex is at P1.190 million.
Finally, the V80 Transport is an 18-seater van specifically built for shuttle transport services. It has the same engine and safety features as the Comfort and Flex and is being offered at a base price of P1.288 million.
“The storied history of the Maxus brand—over 123 years—brings to mind the longevity of the Ayala group itself, which marks its 185th year of existence in 2019,” said Felipe Estrella, president of Maxus Philippines. “Both Ayala and Maxus, through multiple product generations and iterations, have stood the test of time to remain relevant and competitive.”
According to Reginald See, general manager of Maxus Philippines, the brand plans to establish a dealership network, starting with its first showroom and aftersales facility at the Greenfiled District in Mandaluyong City. The company plans to expand the network within the year with dealerships at ASEANA Manila Bay in Parañaque, Quezon Avenue in Quezon City and Cebu City.
