Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the exclusive distributor of Geely vehicles in the country, has appointed Naoyuki Takeda as its incoming President and CEO, effective January 1, 2024.
Geely Philippines said that Takeda has an extensive background and experience in the Philippine automotive industry, which is seen to help the car brand stay competitive in the local market.
Geely PH also shared that Takeda has been part of SGAP for quite a long time. He was pivotal when SGAP was still a shareholder in Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC). He was part of the team behind MMPC’s Auto Financial Services. Takeda was also part of the JACCS Finance Philippines for over six years until 2022.
With his experience in the local market, Geely PH believes that Takeda is capable of navigating the brand through the challenges and opportunities in the Philippine market.
Geely Automobile International Corporation (GAIC) Regional Sales Director Will Wan visited the Philippines to offer his warm welcome to Takeda. This gesture also shows the firm collaboration and support of GAIC, which is headquartered in China, to SGAP as the official distributor of Geely vehicles in the Philippines.
“Mr. Takeda’s appointment as President and CEO of SGAP marks an exciting new era for Geely in the Philippines. His wealth of experience and strategic vision will be key in realizing our aspiration to introduce exciting models tailored to fit the evolving Filipino auto market,” said Wan.
Takeda, on the other hand, said that Geely PH is driven to introduce cutting-edge mobility solutions once he officially takes on the role of being the car brand’s new President and CEO next year. Takeda added that Geely PH will continue improving its customer service.
"I am honored to lead SGAP into this new era of growth and innovation. With the support of GAIC and our dedicated team, we look forward to introducing cutting-edge mobility solutions that will bring exceptional automotive experiences for the Filipinos while we will continue improving our customer service", stated Takeda.
Takeda replaces outgoing Geely PH President and CEO Yugo Kiyofuji who was appointed to the said role last April 2022. During Kiyofuji’s stint as Geely PH’s big boss, the car brand introduced the GX3 Pro, a five-seater subcompact crossover. The Geely GX3 Pro clinched the number two spot as the best-selling vehicle in its class last October 2023.
It was also in Kiyofuji’s time when Geely PH launched a new customer hotline that aims to further improve its services to its clients by streamlining the process of inquiries and concerns on sales, parts, and service.
Outgoing President and CEO Kiyofuji is said to be moving to Sojitz’ Headquarters in Tokyo.
Visit Philkotse.com for more automotive news.