Gateway to success
It’s a whirwind relationship that has ironically blossomed through the pains of the pandemic.
Among the big brands that the Gateway Group handles in its portfolio as one of the giants in the local automotive distribution business, Mitsubishi is the newest in its fold.
But less than three years since they opened their first Mitsubishi dealership in November of 2021, just as businesses were hanging on to dear life from the effects of the pandemic, the Gateway Group has flourished and even turned into a major force in the operations of the brand with the three-diamond emblem.
Thanks to the forward thinking of a team led by its chairman Markane Goho, the Gateway Group has churned out the numbers for Mitsubishi despite being the new kid on the block.
In such a short span, Gateway was able to open dealership after dealership to carry a significant role in Mitsubishi’s sales recovery that led to a record-breaking performance last year.
Just recently, Gateway Group opened its newest Mitsubishi dealership in Matina, Davao, with the top brass of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) showing their vote of confidence to an over-performing retailer by flying to the bustling city in full force.
Mitsubishi Matina Davao is the eighth dealership of Gateway and the first 3S dealer outlet in Davao, ready to provide customers in the southern most part of Mitsubishi’s nationwide dealership network with all the necessary sales and after-sales services they’ve been waiting for.
The 69th 3S dealership of the MMPC network covers the entirety of 5,000sqm with the floor space of 3,637sqm enough for six car displays and 20 service bays.
Giant shadow
With its sheer size, Mitsubishi Matina, Davao casts a giant shadow over the other brands in the what is now a growing automotive row where commercial and entertainment hubs are also rising. Right across the dealership is the ongoing Davao Global Township project dubbed as the future business district of Davao City.
And Gateway could not have chosen a much better date to open its newest outlet because it fell on the birthday of deceased Goho patriarch, Martin.
“Today is extra special because today would have been my father’s 69th birthday. He would have been very proud and pleased as to where our company has come. We all are missing him dearly, today is for Dad,” said Michael Goho, EVP of Gateway Group, in his speech during the opening.
He also paid tribute to the amazing vision of his brother, Markane, who has steered the company to new heights.
As the industry continues to soar with demand steadily high, Michael Goho said that it is now time for Gateway to capitalize on these economic advantages.
“Mitsubishi has always been strong in the Philippines and we are very much aligned with its vision in excelling in all facets of the business. I truly value what we have achieved, and we aim for even stronger ties moving forward. Davao is an exceptional market and there is still so much room for growth and development.”
In his last official act for a dealership as president of MMPC before he turned over the baton on Monday, Takeshi Hara took notice of the role the Gateway group in surpassing their sales goals.
“Gateway contributed a lot (during a period) when we had our best record in our history in retail sales. They cover a wide range of our operations and we’re confident that in our campaign to earn a bigger market share, they are among those who can make it happen,” he said.
As the new MMPC leader Ritsu Imaeda checks in, the goal is to sustain the gains that Hara had achieved during his tour of duty.
And not to worry. Having a partner like Gateway can literally open the doors of opportunity.
