Fuso adds Daimler trucks into line-up

Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation (SFP) has forged a partnership with iCATS Motors, Inc. to establish an official dealership for FUSO trucks and buses. This groundbreaking collaboration heralds the debut of the inaugural joint multi-brand facility by Daimler Trucks in the Philippines, integrating FUSO and Mercedes-Benz Trucks under one roof. This venture promises an unparalleled automotive encounter, characterized by the reliability and durability of its products, alongside the provision of transportation solutions across the nation.

The inauguration ceremony is poised to be a momentous occasion, graced by key stakeholders from SFP, iCATS Motors, Inc., and Inchcape Philippines, along with esteemed guests from the media, bodybuilders, network customers, and other dignitaries. The event commenced with poignant messages underscoring the significance of this strategic expansion into the Philippine market.

Strategically situated at 45 Mindanao Ave., Alley 15, Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City, iCATS Motors, Inc. – FUSO Mindanao Avenue strategically situates the dealership, maintaining its landmark status for heightened visibility and accessibility to customers in the vicinity. The state-of-the-art facility epitomizes modern design, seamlessly blending the robustness of FUSO with the elegance of Mercedes-Benz.

The facility sets out to redefine the customer experience, facilitating sales and comprehensive aftersales support for both FUSO and Mercedes-Benz Trucks. With a showroom capable of accommodating up to six (6) light and heavy-duty commercial vehicle displays, the remaining 1,035 sqm. of space is dedicated to working bays, ensuring the delivery of reliable and high-quality service tailored to meet the needs of every customer.

Mr. Alex Hammett, Managing Director of South Asia & Pacific at Inchcape plc, expressed, “Today, we inaugurate this joint facility, uniting Daimler Trucks – Mercedes-Benz Trucks and FUSO products under one dealership. This partnership between Inchcape Philippines and Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation underscores our reinforced commitment to advancing mobility in the country, offering high-quality and durable products to foster access and growth for individuals, communities, and businesses.”

Mr. Yosuke Nishi, President & CEO of Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation, remarked, “SFP and iCATS Motors have embraced a mutually beneficial synergy, culminating in a distinctive dealership outlet showcasing two renowned international commercial vehicle brands – FUSO and Mercedes-Benz – under one roof. This collaboration empowers us to broaden our connections and opportunities, ultimately enhancing our vehicle sales and aftersales support. Prioritizing the customer experience, we provide trucks synonymous with trust and deliver quality service as we journey into the future together.”

Mr. Christoph Stemmer, Vice President for Customer Services Parts at Mercedes-Benz Bus & Special Truck Sales SEA of Daimler Truck, highlighted, “The advantages extend to our esteemed customers through enhanced network coverage and an expanded product range, spanning from LDT to HDT and Buses. For our valued dealers, synergies and economies of scale bolster operational efficiency. For Sojitz and iCATS, a growth trajectory unfolds, enabling further investment and business expansion. These elements align with our overarching objective of supporting those who drive progress.”

Mr. Francis Jonathan Ang, Chief Operating Officer of Inchcape Philippines, outlined, “Our objective is to enhance accessibility for our business partners, particularly truck and bus operators, encompassing future network expansions across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Today marks the inauguration of the first Daimler Truck Joint Multi-Brand Facility in the Philippines, signaling numerous collaborative triumphs on the horizon.”

The launch of FUSO Mindanao Avenue symbolizes a significant juncture as FUSO and Mercedes-Benz Trucks, both subsidiaries of Daimler Truck, converge. This expansion underscores a strategic move to fortify the brand’s presence in Southeast Asia, underscoring Daimler’s confidence in the Philippines.

Moreover, this joint facility not only reaffirms Daimler’s dedication to the country but also heralds a new era for commercial vehicles and a vision of growth in automotive retail. Emphasizing the cultivation of enduring relationships with customers reflects Daimler’s commitment to not merely selling vehicles but also ensuring an exceptional ownership experience.

FUSO Mindanao Avenue is poised to make a positive impact by adhering to the brand’s global standards, ensuring the provision of a diverse portfolio of world-class vehicles and services to the local market.

Ira Panganiban

Ira Panganiban

The author is a certified motorhead and has been a journalist for the past 30 years. He will be a journalist all his life. He thinks he is famous and his mother agrees. His father has another opinion on that matter. Email him at [email protected]