60 years of grit, hard work and trust
60 years–that’s how long Isuzu Bacolod has been serving the people of Negros Island.
Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) in partnership with Southern Auto Mart and Trading Corporation (SAMTC), recently celebrated six long decades of unwavering service and commitment during a momentous ceremony in their 3,000-meter newly-renovated Isuzu dealership located along Lacson Street in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
“What we are honoring tonight is not just six decades in business, it is a story of perseverance, hard work, and the enduring trust of the community we serve,” said SAMTC vice president for finance, Lester Marcelo Uy.
According to Uy, their ancestors came from humble beginnings, trading World War 2 surplus vehicles in the 1960s. Thus, from there, they became the official distributor of Isuzu in Bacolod and in Dumaguete.
“This journey has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and countless stories of families and businesses who placed their confidence in us,” he then continued.
Humble beginnings
Southern Auto Mart and Trading Corporation started back in 1966, when a group of visionary Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs in Bacolod put up the business.
During that time, they were trading surplus vehicles from World War II, later moving on to surplus commercial vehicles as demand grew.
By the 1970s, they ventured into assembling truck bodies and bus, answering the needs of the period.
“Fast forward to the late 1980s, my father, then representing Southern Auto Mart, was approached by Isuzu Philippines Corporation. They invited us to be the official distributor of Isuzu here in Bacolod, and that’s how our partnership with Isuzu officially began a milestone that changed the course of our company,” Uy divulged.
In 2010, they further expanded by opening a second dealership in Dumaguete, bringing the brand closer to more customers in the region.
Today, their company takes pride in being the oldest automotive dealership in Bacolod City and one of the pioneer dealers of Isuzu Philippines.
“It’s a story of hard work, resilience, and a commitment to keep moving forward with our community,” he then added.
A celebration of six long decades
Their celebration of their 60th year in the industry was well-attended by friends, business partners, stakeholders and the media. With the hundreds in attendance, everyone honored and paid witness to a life-long journey of success, marked by a relentless passion and dedication to serve and overcome challenges.
“Tonight is not just about looking back. It is also about looking forward,” said Uy.
“As Bacolod and Negros continue to grow and progress, we promise to remain by your side delivering vehicles and services that are reliable, world-class, and built for the journeys ahead. More importantly, we will continue to give back to the community that has supported us since the very beginning.”
For him, the said diamond milestone belongs not only to their company, but to everyone who has been part of their journey, most especially, their customers.
“Without your trust and confidence, we would not be here tonight celebrating six decades of driving fruitful and meaningful partnerships.”
The highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of their newly-renovated dealership. The entire facility now spans 3,000 square meters, offering ample room for upgraded amenities and services.
