Cebu City, Philippines—MINI Philippines and MINI AutoStudio Philippines Corporation virtually unveiled a new MINI pop-up store here in a bid to reestablish ties with customers in the southern part of the country.
The new dealership sits in an 8,000 square-foot area located at the corner of N. Escario and Tojong streets in barangay Kamputhaw.
The digital unveiling was done on Friday, February 12, 2021, via a Facebook Live broadcast at Mini AutoStudio Cebu’s official page, @MINIAutoStudioCebu.
The Facade of the MINI AutoStudio Cebu in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City. | contributed photo
“Cebu is a dynamic and vibrant city, qualities that tie in perfectly with what MINI stands for – fun, passionate and spirited,” said Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Asia, in a press release.
From the cozy customer lounge, a dedicated two-car display, and the new service bay areas, customers can engage and interact with the brand within a unique retail habitat.
The dedicated two-car display of MINI AutoStudio Cebu’s new pop up store in barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City. | contributed photo
“I want to thank the MINI Philippines and MINI AutoStudio Cebu teams for their hard work in making this new facility a reality. Together, we look forward to once again connecting with our customers in the Visayas and Mindanao regions and offering them the exciting cars that they have come to love in a safe and conducive environment,” Yam added.
To celebrate the official opening of MINI AutoStudio Cebu, customers who will purchase a new MINI vehicle from February 12 to 14 will receive savings of up to P300,000 and other exclusive benefits.
Proper COVDI-19 health protocols are in place for those visiting the new store for consultations or test drives.
“Our customers are our top priority, and they deserve only the best,” said Willy Q. Tee Ten, President of MINI Philippines and Autohub Group of Companies. “This is an exciting new beginning for MINI AutoStudio Cebu. I can’t wait to see more MINIs on the roads down south and the smiles they bring to Cebuanos.”
AutoStudio Philippines Corporation acquired the MINI dealership in Cebu in late 2019, according to Pancho Luzuriaga, President of AutoStudio Philippines Corporation.
“As the newest kid on the automotive block in the Philippines, we’re excited to bring new ideas to the market and demonstrate our passion to delivery truly memorable MINI experiences to our customers. We look forward to impressing, inspiring and amazing fans and friends of the brand from the moment they set foot in our facility,” Luzuriaga said.
Luzuriaga added in a virtual press conference that the pop up store will be MINI’s home in Cebu while a main dealership is still being built in Barangay Lahug. He said the Lahug dealership, which is expected to be completed this year, will be the main hub of the MINI AutoStudio in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
“Once the Lahug dealership is done, Escario will be one of the pop-up stores that will complement the main hub,” Luzuriaga said.
Meanwhile, Jeff Lizardo, the general manager of MINI Philippines, said there are plans for expansion in the Visayas Mindanao areas, citing Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Iloilo as potential targets.
Lizardo said the Cebu pop-up store was supposed to be opened before the pandemic but clearly had to be moved. He remained optimistic that the new year brings hope for the brand.
“2021 is the best time to provide better facilities for you,” he said.
/bmjo