Rolls-Royce captures ‘captains of industry’ in PH

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ “captains of industry” may soon be driving a Rolls-Royce luxury vehicle.

Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said he met with 15 of Manila’s who’s who in a dinner after the inauguration of the British brand’s new authorized dealership company in Manila.

In a press briefing on Thursday, October 10, he declined to name who they are and only described them as industry leaders who are “the main pillars of the economy.”  

They fit the Rolls-Royce market who are “global travelers, very international, highly discerning and [those who] never accepts a no,” added Müller-Ötvös, a German. He said they are “highly interested” to acquire Rolls-Royce unit. 

He noted that the Rolls-Royce cars have been well-received since they opened their first dealership in June and that they are pleased to display in their “interim facility” at the Bonifacio Global City the first Phantom Series II Extended Wheelbase.

“The reception was fantastic,” he added.

Rolls-Royce cars are known to be “the ultimate in super-luxury” but Müller-Ötvös is confident that the Philippines has enough buyers to sustain the market. (READ: 11 Filipinos among world billionaires)

He also added that they would have not invested in the country if “it will not be sustainable.” 

Asia expansion plan

With the bright performance of Asian countries vis-à-vis their western counterparts, Müller-Ötvös noted they are targeting market “from the western part of the world to the eastern part of the world.”

At present, about 50% of Rolls-Royce’s market is in China and the rest of Asia, the United States represent 30%, the Middle East close to 20% and the rest is Europe.

Asia is observed closely by Rolls-Royce and found the Philippines as potential market with its stellar economic growth. It is among the countries included in Rolls-Royce’s Asia-Pacific expansion.

“We are watching countries very closely and only few gets 7.5% growth…when I arrived here, I’m blown away [by] so many constructions here in Manila,” shared Müller-Ötvös.

With the opening of its Manila branch, Rolls-Royce is now represented in 23 cities across Asia Pacific region outside of China.

Rolls Royce is present in Osaka, Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, Tichung and Taipei in Taiwan, Hanoi, Vietnam, Perth and Queensland in Australia and Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh in India. – Rappler.com