TCCCI readies to roll out 9 new Chevrolet, MG models in 2021

By Kap Maceda Aguila

THE COVENANT Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), the official and exclusive country distributor of Chevrolet and Morris Garages (MG), recently marked its 11^th and 2^nd anniversaries, respectively, since taking the helm of the two auto brands in the Philippines.

A digital press conference with motoring media was led by TCCCI President and CEO Atty. Albert Arcilla, who expressed gratitude for the market trust of the two marques under the company’s aegis. “We are immensely grateful for the continued confidence of the Filipino market,” he said, and announced that a total of nine new models will debut here next year.

MG is set to being in “a new MPV and a new SUV,” the RX8 SUV, and a pure-electric vehicle variant of the ZS; Chevrolet will unveil five: the all-new Suburban, all-new Tahoe, the eighth-generation Corvette, and two undisclosed vehicles.

Atty. Arcilla rued how it is “hard to go out to celebrate” during this time, but reiterated how grateful he is that the industry is once again moving. “It’s easy to have just been on Park,” he underscored.

The executive reiterated how TCCCI, appointed by General Motors Southeast Asia Operations “to manage the full business operations for Chevrolet in the Philippines,” has been facing up to the challenges of the pandemic. “We know that it is already difficult for (our customers). We want to make sure that they have quick access to us for any of their concerns.”

Chevrolet Philippines presently has 23 dealerships — seven in Metro Manila and 16 across other regions. To more keenly address unique needs during this time, the company has rolled out a suite of digital services and programs toward more convenient, contactless service. The Chevrolet Service e-Advisor delivers at-home initial vehicle diagnosis via video call, My Chevrolet Connect mobile app provides the practical management of vehicle service schedules, and Chevy Live Chat promises quick and real-time customer support.

In a media release, Chevrolet Philippines said it is welcoming test-drive requests and vehicle ownership inquiries through its website, www.chevrolet.com.ph, and is set to unveil a virtual showroom in November. The “Shop. Click. Drive.” portal “is designed to simplify the process of purchasing a Chevrolet without leaving one’s home.” Atty. Arcilla revealed that TCCCI has been working in coordination with its dealers in preparation for the rollout of the digital service.

Meanwhile, Chevrolet’s ongoing “Ride to a Fresh Start” features all-in down payment offers for as low as P38,000 or zero-interest plans for the Colorado, Trailblazer, Trax Premier, Spark, Sail and Malibu.

As with Chevrolet, BuyAnMG.com is set to go live soon, according to Atty. Arcilla. “We’ve already coordinated with dealers,” he said in response to a question from “Velocity.” He shared that there are many steps toward establishing the portal — up to the payment option. Reservations and purchases on the portal are powered by Paymongo Philippines, Inc. — an established Filipino fintech company “at the forefront of the local e-payment industry” which recently received a large investment from international e-commerce company Stripe.

MG Philippines sold 2,854 units through the first three quarters of 2020 — with the popular ZS crossover accounting for 56% of sales. The model, “which has climbed to the top of the local five-seater SUV-B segment,” according to the company, has moved 5,000 units since TCCCI took over.

Atty. Arcilla underscored that, despite the pandemic, MG has been able to maintain its business. “We’re very glad that the different markets that opened took advantage right away of the offers we had,” he observed.

From 12 dealerships when TCCCI first came in, MG Philippines now has 28 facilities. “The expanded dealership network ensures that MG sales and aftersales services are readily accessible in more places around the Philippines. Furthermore, the total number of MG dealerships is expected yet again to grow and will total 34 before 2020 comes to a close.”

The executive revealed said that the company has concentrated on the ownership experience during the pandemic. “We know that it is already difficult for (our customers). We want to make sure that they have quick access to us for any of their concerns.”

This is reflected in efforts in aftersales services such as MG Live Chat Support Service (allowing customers to do web-based live chats with an MG consultant), the My MG App for easy PMS scheduling, MG Online Garage for online vehicle consultation and remote vehicle diagnosis over video chat, and MG Mobile Garage home repair service. The services “also address the need to practice safety in the time of this COVID-19 pandemic, by adhering to social distancing recommendations and conducting remote sessions with MG consultants and technicians.”

For information about Chevrolet, visit www.chevrolet.com.ph, like the Chevrolet Philippines Facebook page, or follow the Chevrolet Philippines Instagram page.

The official website of MG Philippines is www.mgmotor.com.ph. Follow MG Philippines on social media: OfficialMGPhilippines (Facebook) and @mg_philippines (Instagram and Twitter). The 24/7 MG Philippines hotline is (02) 5328-4664. Questions may be sent directly using the MG Live Chat Service of the website.