Last year, we told you about a realization we had made in the course of carrying out our job. You see, when Geely Philippines (aka Sojitz G Auto Philippines) introduced the Azkarra compact SUV, we got our hands on a test unit not from the distributor but from the Yuchengco Group. Yep, that business organization that was actually closely associated with Honda, being the owner of several Honda dealerships.

Just a few weeks prior to Yuchengco lending us an Azkarra, in fact, it had announced the closure of four of its Honda dealers. Just a mere coincidence?

Well, Yuchengco has now broken ground for its first-ever Geely dealership, Geely Manila. The company, it turns out, owns 20% of Geely Philippines, with the 80% belonging to Sojitz Corporation of Japan. That says a lot about the confidence it has in a Chinese car brand—impressive considering that it has long been in the business of selling Japanese vehicles (high-quality ones, if we may add).

Yuchengco Group president and CEO Lorenzo Tan is quoted by the press statement as saying that they have “refocused and strengthened our car business.” He declares that “we are adding to our portfolio by building a very modern Geely dealership to service more Filipino customers.”

Meanwhile, Geely Philippines president and CEO Mikihisa Takayama points out that “consistent with our goal to expand SGAP’s dealer network and to reach more Geely customers nationwide, SGAP will continue to work hard for our customers. Our partnership with the Yuchengco Group is a significant step in realizing it despite the pandemic restrictions. The rise of Geely Manila is definitely something to look forward to.”

The press release does not indicate where exactly the dealership will be located, but does offer a bold estimate about its opening: “YGC eyes to finish the new Geely dealership in Manila by April 2021.” Aggressive and confident, we say.

While waiting for the new outlet to be completed, you may check the brand’s dealer directory here.