Will Astara bring in more brands under Stellantis to the PH?

Astara (formerly known as Bergé Auto) has officially entered the Philippine market by partnering with Stellantis. Since the international partner houses several brands, will the company that currently distributes Peugeot vehicles in the country bring more marques locally?

In an exclusive interview, Peugeot Philippines Managing Director Raoul Picello said that it is possible but would only be done if the company sees a clear demand that should be met.

“If we see that the products of the other brands might answer to the needs of the customers, then the opportunity is there and we will jump on it,” he told Carmudi Philippines.

Astara is an automotive distribution and mobility services group that is present in 16 countries, distributing 29 car brands.

On the other hand, Stellantis came to be following the merging of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group. The union paved the way to Stellantis owning several brands — many of which are found locally already: Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Maserati, Abarth, and Alfa Romeo.

The brands under the Stellantis lineup that have yet to reach the country are Opel, Vauxhall, Mopar, Lancia, Fiat and DS Automobiles.

However, Picello said that as of the moment, the company is "concentrated and focused on launching the new Peugeot," adding, “we have many things coming down the line within the course of five to six months.”

Relatedly, Picello said that the company is eyeing to open at least 11 outlets by the end of the year. “And I will not exclude that this number might be exceeded,” Picello shared.

Earlier, Astara announced that it will support Peugeot Philippines’ digital transformation at all levels starting the second quarter of 2022.

Photos from Astara, Peugeot Philippines, Stellantis

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