United Motors PH Opens Flagship Dealership

After its successful launch last April at the 2017 Trans Sport Show, American motorcycle brand United Motors (UM)--through United Motohub Philippines--has inaugurated its first dealership in the Philippines, with confidence that the opportunity is ripe to introduce its offerings to the local motorcycle market.

Last October 27, the inauguration of the UM flagship dealership--located at 324 Ortigas Avenue, North Greenhills in San Juan--was spearheaded by Autohub Group President Willy Tee Ten and UM Global Operations Manager Nicolas Villegas. During the inauguration, Tee Ten revealed that as UM's introduction to the local market, it will be offering a total of 12 models to choose from: UM Adventure 150 and TT 150; DSR 200; Hypersport 200; Nitrox 150; Renegade Commando 300; Renegade Sport 150, 200 and S 300; Scrambler Classic 150; Scrambler S 150 and Xtreet 200X.

Moreover, UM’s products ranges from P48,000 to P175,000, which according to Tee Ten, is priced strategically with the introduction. Tee Ten expressed firm belief that it is high time to introduce UM in the country as the country shows stellar sales growth. "We are coming in the market not just with beautiful bike but with fantastic pricing. When they see the price, they will be shocked," he said. He also claimed that they are confident with the quality of the bike with enough parts and proper service. Asked if there are plans for expansion, Tee Ten said that currently, they have seven applications—but refuse to divulge as as not to pre-empt possible moves—and will further expand as they continue business in the country. For his part, Villegas said that they are eyeing to bring more models in the country but has to further study the local motorcycle market. "Right now, this is what we believe what the market asks, but we will continue to study the market before bringing in other models," Villegas explained. "We are here to make this brand successful here," Tee Ten added.

UM was brought in by the United Motohub Philippines Inc. and is an affiliate of the Autohub Group of companies, the same group that brought Rolls Royce, Mini, and Lotus into the country. United Motohub Philippines is the official and exclusive importer and distributor of UM motorcycles in the Philippines. UM is the second venture of the Autohub Group into two-wheeled vehicles. In recent years, Autohub was also appointed as the sole Philippines importer and distributor of Piaggio Vespa. In an earlier interview, General Manager for United Motohub Philippines Joel Olmedo cited that UM was founded by Octavio Villegas. He said that the UM motorcycle's DNA can be traced back to the Americas and was first registered with the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office in early 2000. "Today, UM Global headquarters is in Miami, Florida where design and engineering emanate. The Villegas clan has been in the vehicle distribution business since 1951. Over the last 17 years, the UM brand has grown to 1300 retail locations in over 20 countries all over the world. Manufacturing and assembly of UM motorcycles is in India, China, and Thailand," he said. Further, Olmedo said that United Motohub Philippines decided to bring in UM to offer unique motorcycle product ranges not currently available or underrepresented in the Philippine market.