Incoming Kia PH leadership eyes to boost brand's EV ecosystem

MANILA: The official importer and distributor of Kia automobiles in the nation, Kia Philippines Motor Corporation (KPMC), recently announced the nomination of Brian Buendia to the position of COO, effective July 1, 2023.

The automotive division of Ayala Corporation (AC) Industrials, one of the leading automotive groups in the country and a distributor of international mobility brands, reintroduced Kia in the Philippines in 2019. Since then, Kia's dedication to delivering customer pleasure through its products and services has been driven by the company's brand tagline, "Movement that Inspires".

“As Chief Operating Officer, Brian will lead the bolstering of Kia’s position in the industry rankings with the introduction of new models, and the strengthening of the distribution network in its dealerships which currently stands at 44 in strategic locations nationwide,” said AC Motors President for Automobile Group Toti Zara.

Buendia will also take the helm of KPMC's ongoing efforts to build the nation's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, with Ayala organizations and other key actors serving as active partners. He will continue the initiatives started by Kia and the Ayala Group to convert the automobile sector to greener, more sustainable technologies.

Since joining AC Motors in 1998, Buendia has accumulated significant professional experience in sales, business development, and network operations. Buendia's leadership as KPMC COO will ultimately increase brand awareness and affinity with even more Filipino motorists because of his considerable industry experience, which will allow him to choose the best products and services to meet a much larger market base's requirements and aspirations.

The recent introduction of the EV6 full-electric SUV—a crucial step towards Ayala's promise of developing the nation's full EV eco-system—would serve as the foundation for this, along with enhanced and innovative aftersales services, a smooth and continuous nationwide expansion of the dealer network, and gaining a firm foothold in the future of sustainable mobility.

KPMC President Manny Aligada, who will formally retire on June 30 of this year, led the revitalization of Kia Philippines beginning in December 2018 under Ayala control. Kia Asia Pacific (K-APAC) acknowledged KMPC for having the best growth rate in the area and for being the top independent distributor for retail sales in 2022. Additionally, Kia Philippines unveiled a number of new vehicles, including the EV6, the first EV in the Ayala mobility eco-system, and the Stonic subcompact crossover, which has since launched in 2020 grown to be the best-selling Kia car.

“It is an honor to have served our internal and external stakeholders who have continuously supported Kia, enabling it to be among the best-selling brands in the country,” Aligada said. “And it is with such pride when I say that Kia Philippines set the ideal tone in starting our path to a sustainable future of mobility by introducing the multi-awarded EV6 as the ultra-modern face of Kia with its innovation and technology features,” he added.

Photos from Kia Philippines and Roy Robles

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