BACK IN MANILA

The management and staff of Suzuki Otis are joined by the top executives of Suzuki Philippines at the main entrance of the newly-opened dealership. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

There’s recent good news for about 2,000,000 residents of Manila as Suzuki Otis dealership officially opened last Thursday.

This serves as the official comeback of the presence of the compact Japanese brand in the City of Manila.

Ghost of past dealerships along United Nations and Abad Santos Avenue can only look in envy as the brand again reawakens in their vicinity.

The newly-opened dealership is a business venture between NXT Mile Motors, Inc. and Suzuki Philippines.

“This is our first foray of the Suzuki brand in Metro Manila,” said NXT Mile Motors, Inc. chief of finance, Paul Tionson, of its third dealership, having their two other outside the metro, particularly in Cavite.

“There’s a big market for cars in the metro compared to the province. However, there are also big challenges, such as customers here are very discerning since they have a lot of options. The major brands are here,” he added.

Paul Tionson, chief of finance of NXT Mile Motors, Inc.

The new Suzuki Otis features a four-car showroom, customer lounge and six service bays that cater from maintenance all the way to major repairs, among many others.

“Suzuki has always been known to be practical, reliable and value for money,” he continued.

According to him, the Japanese marque is “very much in tune” to electrification with new hybrid models, Dzire, Ertiga, XL7 and the newest Fronx.

“They’re better suited to compete now. Very good timing.”

Investor confidence returning to Manila

Manila’s GDP was estimated at P987.88 billion in 2023 and is projected to be over P1 trillion in 2024, growing by 5.2 percent in that year.

This year, it’s growing bigger than ever.

Under Mayor “Isko” Moreno’s watch, they’re very much bullish.

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon are from left, Harvie Espiritu of Brgy. Kagawad of 827 Paco, Manila; Paul Tionson, chief of finance of NXT Mile Motors, Inc.; Yukio Sato, aftersales service and marine division general manager (SPH); Mark Richmund De Leon, Head of City Planning and Development, Manila local goverment; Mark Tionson, president of NXT Mile Motors, Inc.; Norihide Takei, director and general manager – automobile division (SPH); Juanito Tionson, chairman of Alphamile Auto Group and Dorothy Tionson, chief of finance of Alphamile Auto Group

Per reports, Moreno is restoring investor confidence and promoting “a more transparent, business-friendly environment in the nation’s capital.”

For one, Tionson is showing his appreciation to the city government for its reforms that have made investing and operating in the city more convenient.

In response, Moreno welcomed Suzuki’s newest business venture as a sign that investors are again placing their trust in the city.