In fact, plans to open its flagship Tesla Experience Center in Uptown Parade in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig came together in just a matter of months, landlord and business tycoon Kevin Tan said on Friday.
“We were talking to them only in May this year and we were able to finalize the deal within a month or two,” said Tan, who owns Uptown Parade through the family-controlled property giant Megaworld Corp., during the opening of the vehicle showroom and service center on Nov. 8, 2024.
Tan said the business was brought to the Philippines via Tesla’s Hong Kong regional officer while Megaworld helped them “build the space.”
“The space includes offices on top and a service center,” he said.
First in the Philippines
With the launch of its first experience center in the Philippines, Tesla offers an all-in-one solution for sales, delivery, and service under one roof.
The event was also attended by Isabel Fan, Tesla Southeast Asia director; Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president of Megaworld; Graham Coates, first vice president and Head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls; and executives from the government, including Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.
Cars to be sold
Initially, the Model Y and the Model 3 will debut in the Philippines.
Model Y offers up to 533 kilometers of range and reaches 0-100 km per hour in 3.7 seconds, starting at P2.37 million.
The refreshed Model 3 features improved aerodynamics and a sleek interior, boasting 629 km of range and accelerating to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, starting at P2.11 million.
Charging stations
Tesla will also introduce the country’s first indoor Supercharger station at Uptown Mall and plans to establish more at strategic locations.
This fast-charging facility will cost P19 per kWh, with a full charge costing about P1,140.
What’s next?
Tesla plans to roll out additional supercharging stations and experience centers in the Philippines.
Tan said possible new sites may include Megaworld’s other properties and townships.
For charging stations, Tan said Tesla will deploy sites in all of their malls, hotels, and townships.
“One thing is for sure, they will deploy their charging stations all over our malls and properties,” Tan said.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
