Hyundai unveils all-new i20 Cross Sport and Tucson at new HLC

Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI) has invested, so far, a total of P1.2 billion for its newly inaugurated 10-hectare Hyundai Logistics Center (HLC) situated in Calamba Laguna. And this is only the first step.

According to HARI, they plan to change the landscape of automotive industry property development in the country through this state-of-the-art facility. In today's fast ever-changing world, the clamor for a more eco-friendly work environment which uplifts the well-being of employees and catalyzes growth in both the automotive and property development sectors is becoming more adamant than ever. This is their strong answer to that call.

In an interview conducted through the television show, Auto Review, HARI president and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo said: “It is high time for us to consolidate our operations so we could streamline the process flow and become more efficient and more productive, and so we can have better quality control."

One of HARI's values in business is Environment Protection, and the Hyundai Logistics Center, in a way, is a realization of this principle.

Furthermore, HLC follows the standards of Philippine Green Building Initiative (PGBI), a group of professional development associations formed through the shared concern for the environment.

"GREEEN is, with the three E's, stands for Geared for Resiliency and Energy Efficiency for the Environment," explains Architect Mel Punsalan, vice president for Technical of PGBI.

In fact, HLC received the highest rating "KAMAGONG" since it garnered a remarkable score of 87.5%.

Located along the Mount Makiling Forest reserve and Tagaytay mountain ridge, the logistics center can accommodate 5,000 vehicles equivalent to a two-month inventory for the firm.

HARI has so far spent P700 million for the first phase of the Hyundai Logistics Center which covers the stockyard warehouse, parts warehouse and a portion of the planned training academy.

The second phase, meanwhile, which would involve P500 million worth of investments, would cover a 12-story office, a car museum, a center for climate change and facilities for the training academy.

As of this writing, the first phase has already been completed, while construction of the second phase is expected to start early next year. The facility is intended to house imported Hyundai vehicles coming in through the Batangas port before being brought to HARI’s dealerships nationwide.

Through the facility, Hyundai cars would undergo detailing, washing, drying as well as tests to ensure these are in pristine condition before being sold.

Aside from the HLC inauguration, HARI also introduced the Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI), the worldwide dealership standard of Hyundai. Not to mention its two latest models that will yet again change the local car spectrum: the all-new i20 Cross Sport and the all-new Tucson. 

The i20 Cross Sport will be available in June, while the new Tucson starts to sell on August.

"We are expecting to sell about 500 units per month for the i20 Cross Sport, while we see a 300-400 unit per month sale for the return of the king Tucson," said Agudo.

Agudo also disclosed that total HARI sales last year reached 23,019 units.

With HARI accounting for 85 to 90 percent of the Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors Inc.’s (AVID) sales, Agudo said the group’s sales are expected to rise by five percent this year from last year’s 35,565 units.

As of the first quarter, HARI has sold 5,364 units, while AVID’s total sales reached 8,448 units.

It's good to know that HARI is taking the lead in inspiring change that shall set the pace for innovation and environmental preservation. It is this distinct resolve that makes this Korean automaker one of the towering giants in the global arena.

Carmudi Guest Author: Ronald Delos Reyes

Ronald has been covering the motoring industry for a decade now. He co-manages/produces the family-owned motoring and travel TV show, Auto Review - which has been on-air for more than 20 years. He also writes for the motoring sections of Business Mirror and Interaksyon.com. From time to time, this avid sportsman also organizes sports events and other adventure activities.