Kia Batangas City opens its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 15, 2023. From left to right: Prime Legacy Motors Inc. (PLMI) President Jose Antonio V. Rivera, PLMI Director Ar. Rafael D.B. Tecson, Batangas 5th District Representative Mario Vittorio ‘Marvey’ A. Mariño, PLMI Director Benjamin V. Ramos, Kia PH COO Brian Buendia, Kia PH President Manny A. Aligada, PLMI Vice President Marvin C. Timbol, PLMI Chairman and CEO D. Edward A. Cabangon, and PLMI Director D. Arnold A. Cabangon.
KIA Batangas City, the latest addition to the thriving Kia dealership network managed by Prime Legacy Motors Inc., officially held its inauguration on Thursday, June 15, 2023. The event marks the opening of the third Kia dealership in the province of Batangas, solidifying Kia’s strong presence in the region with a total of 45 outlets across the country to date. Strategically positioned to serve the residents of Batangas and neighboring provinces, the dealership aims to provide exceptional automotive experiences to the market.
The occasion commenced with a holy Mass, followed by the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and the blessing of the establishment.
In his address, Prime Legacy Motors Inc., Chairman and CEO D. Edward A. Cabangon extended his gratitude to Kia Philippines President Manny A. Aligada for entrusting Prime Legacy with this significant endeavor. He assured Kia Philippines and the local community that the dealership would do its best to surpass expectations and fulfill its commitments in every possible way.
Kia Philippines President Manny A. Aligada shared the inspiring story behind the realization of their vision to establish a dealership in Batangas City. He acknowledged the partnership with the Cabangon family as the driving force behind Kia Batangas City’s establishment, completing the Southern corridor of Kia’s dealership network.
Aligada said that Kia Batangas City is the 45th Kia outlet in the Philippines and the 10th to showcase the full new Corporate Identity of Kia. He emphasized the significance of the dealership’s adherence to the Corporate Identity (CI) standards, stating, “If you are a CI-compliant, anywhere you go in the world, when you see a Kia dealership, it looks like this.”
In his message, Jose Antonio V. Rivera, the President of Prime Legacy Motors, Inc., expressed his gratitude to Kia Philippines, “Thank you Kia Philippines for giving us all the support we need. In return, we will do our very best to serve our clients the best way possible,” he stated.
An emblematic seal of partnership was then conducted, symbolizing the collaboration between Kia Philippines and Prime Legacy Motors, Inc. Kia Philippines presented a miniature model of the cutting-edge EV6 to Prime Legacy, a perfect symbol for their shared vision and the promising future ahead.
Welcoming Kia Philippines to Batangas City, Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha, represented by City Councilor Karlos Emmanuel A. Buted, praised the company’s decision to establish its presence in the city. Acknowledging Batangas City as one of the Philippines’ most progressive cities and a business-friendly community, Mayor Dimacuha expressed confidence that Kia’s investment would contribute to the city’s further growth and development.
In his speech, 5th District Representative Mario Vittorio “Marvey” A. Mariño reminisced about the early days when the Batangas City Grand Terminal, where Kia Batangas City is billeted, was merely a dream. He expressed his gratitude to Amb. Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, founder of the ALC Group, and the Cabangon family, for believing in his vision. Mariño expressed his joy at witnessing the realization of those dreams, adding more color to it as Kia Batangas City now stands at the terminal, a vibrant testament to the city’s growth and prosperity.
Kia Batangas City marks an exciting chapter in Kia Philippines’ expansion efforts. It brings the dynamic and new look of Kia’s Corporate Identity to the forefront. The showroom has been thoughtfully designed and constructed by the RDB Tecson Architects & Associates led by Prime Legacy Director Ar. Rafael D.B. Tecson, to provide a captivating experience for visitors. The dealership features a cozy customer lounge and manned by skilled staff and technicians.
Leading the charge at Kia Batangas City is Prime Legacy Motors, Inc., a member of the ALC Group of Companies founded by the late Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Chua, and currently chaired by D. Edgard A. Cabangon. The conglomerate is renowned for its exceptional brands across various industries, including transportation, insurance, banking and finance, pre-need, memorial care, hotels, and media, among others.