Cover Velocità Motors Inc chairman and president Ramon Ang and Ferrari Far East & Middle East president Dieter Knechtel stand beside the all-new Ferrari Purosangue (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
Velocità Motors Inc chairman and president Ramon Ang and Ferrari Far East & Middle East president Dieter Knechtel stand beside the all-new Ferrari Purosangue (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
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Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari closes a deal with San Miguel Corporation (SMC) subsidiary Velocità Motors Inc
Distinguished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and passionate car enthusiast Ramon S Ang couldn’t contain his excitement for Velocità Motors Inc (VMI), a San Miguel Corporation company, when it became Ferrari’s official distributor in the Philippines.
“Honestly without any bias, when it comes to sports cars, it’s Ferrari. . .It’s an iconic brand, unequal to any other brand,” Ang said during the partnership’s launch party at the temporary Ferrari showroom along EDSA.
“This partnership is a milestone in the history of Ferrari in the Philippines, and we would like to warmly welcome Velocità into our Ferrari family as the new exclusive importer and distributor,” says Dieter Knechtel, president of Ferrari Far East & Middle East.
Read also: Inside Ferrari’s victorious return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans
Above Ramon S Ang (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
Ramon S Ang (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
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Ferrari used to be distributed locally by Autostrada Motore, helmed by Wellington Soong, which also distributes other renowned luxury car brands. Later in 2019, Ferrari was handed over to Dennis Uy’s Motostrada Inc. But with the primary aim to grow the Filipino community of Ferrari owners, drivers, and enthusiasts, a more optimistic and visionary partnership was formed with Ang.
“We firmly believe that VMI will be able to deliver enhanced ownership experiences to our community of passionate Ferrari clients in the Philippines, including the creation of a dedicated space like a ‘Ferrari Clubhouse’, where owners can gather as a community, sharing their love for the brand, and connecting to the world of Ferrari,” Knechtel adds.
“This is a partnership we are extremely proud of, and very excited about—becoming the official distributor of the iconic, highly-revered, globally recognised, and well-loved brand, Ferrari. This also benefits our Filipino workforce, who will be exposed to the highest levels of engineering, performance, design, quality, and customer service. I have no doubt they will be up to the task of carrying the name of this world-class brand,” Ang said.
Above Dieter Knechtel (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
Dieter Knechtel (Photo: Velocità Motors Inc)
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Currently, VMI is constructing a flagship building on Connecticut Street, San Juan City, which will include an expansive showroom and full-service facilities for Ferrari. It is expected to be operational in the coming months. In the meantime, a temporary showroom using Ferrari-approved equipment and a complete team can be visited along EDSA.
“Car enthusiasts, especially Ferrari drivers, value keeping their vehicles in the very best condition possible. That is why they have put together a strong and capable team that is dedicated to providing discerning Ferrari customers with the highly personalised and superior service they expect and deserve,” Ang said.
Read also: Richard Mille pushes the limits with the RM UP-01 Ferrari
Above Ramon S Ang poses with the 296 GTS
Ramon S Ang poses with the 296 GTS
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Two Ferrari vehicles were unveiled at the launch party to commemorate the start of the partnership—the 296 GTS, Ferrari’s new mid-rear-engined berlinetta spider concept, and a white Ferrari Purosangue, the first ever four-door, four-seater, V12-engined car in the history of the luxury brand.
“The Philippines is a market that we strongly believe in,” says Knechtel, who looks forward to the growth of Ferrari in the region, not just in terms of sales but also in brand awareness and quality service. Ang, meanwhile, expressed confidence that there is a growing demand for Ferrari in the country.
VMI encourages Ferrari owners to visit the temporary Ferrari showroom at 169 EDSA, Brgy Wack Wack, Greenhills East, Mandaluyong City. Showroom and service are available from Monday to Saturday, from 8am until 5pm
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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