The Santos’ had a quick visit @ the Manila International Auto Show 2009 edition to check on cool cars. We are particularly interested on the vintage as well as concept cars. Unfortunately, unlike the other car shows we visited, this edition had less concept cars on display. But I enjoyed the sporty race cars, chill indeed.
You can view the other pics either at my Multiply or Facebook account.
Because we are in a season of high fuel prices, prospective car buyers are hesitant to spend a full price for a brand new car as automobile producers are coming up with new engines that can be powered either in full or partial electricity. Likewise, some car owners are enabling their present cars to run using LPG too. Buying a diesel powered engine may not also be practical because diesel are more expensive in the international market than gasoline.
In the middle of all this, sometimes it is but practical to buy a pre-owned or used vehicle. That way, you can wait for the car assemblers to develop a less fuel dependent automobile and/or, you can alter your second hand car to allow LPG run the engine as an alternate.
If you think the fuel price has affected the appetite of some people for cars? Well, think again. There will always be a market for cars with or without fuel increase. In fact in the Philippines, there was a suggestion from few legislators to suspend the importation and use of SUV’s. But it received a flack from car lovers and owners. Their motive may be noble, but they have stepped on the freedom and right of Filipinos to have a choice.
Though admittedly, the high petrol price made the Japanese fuel efficient brand, or a smaller engine cars, attractive to car lovers. But there is also a market that prefers faster, bigger and sporty cars. And for sporty cars, Mazda may be one of a the practical choice. I have seen up close some of the hot brands of Mazda and rode in some of them, boy, the interior, dashboard and the car stereo is great! Though fuel efficiency may not be it’s strength, it appeals to the senses of young people and professionals.
I would like to share two good experiences with start up businesses who extended above normal customer assistance.
The first service provider is Car-Go, a new car wash (and general car care) center at # 8 Macapagal Blvd. (in front of PNB). The price is $2.5 (P 100) or $ 0.50 (P 20) more expensive than the back yard car wash service you can find. But the boys there knew what customer service is. They have an air-conditioned waiting area, a container van turned lounge area (all it need are platform beds and it would look like a bachelors pad) and your car wash goes with “armor all” treatment and the standard “tire black” application. On my last visit, I just inquired if the deep scratch I got in the rear bumper can still be remedied thru buffing. Well, I got the answer thru a demo. The scratch was removed and that extra service should have cost me $ 5 ( P200) for the labor cost and the chemical. They gained a loyal customer in the process. I will be scheduling a complete service (engine detailing, total paint and steam detailing) which will cost $125 (P5000) because of that.
Ask Sonnie, Brand Management, Cars, Customer Service, Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Management, Pilipinas
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