Okay…okay. We know it’s kind of strange to see an actor’s name (and handsome face) in the headline for a dealer conference in the car industry. But we have a couple of reasons for doing this.

First, we reckon that the chances of you clicking on this story are significantly multiplied by using Dingdong Dantes to draw your attention, which is what he is being paid for as GAC Motor Philippines’ brand ambassador in the first place. Might as well make him work for every peso of what is a likely very substantial talent fee.

Second, we realize that this brand is very much in need of some rallying force—at least from our standpoint. GAC was relatively quiet last year, a 180° change from its showing in 2023, when its business performance was so phenomenal that the distributor (Astara Philippines) raffled off a car during its Christmas media party.

So yes, a popular heartthrob is exactly what the carmaker needs to tell the world that everything is perfectly fine. Dingdong’s presence, in fact, was probably more than enough to make the dealers forget the recent departure of brand head Franz Decloedt (poached by a rival distributor for other Chinese brands).

“GAC Motor is redefining the driving experience with its premium quality and outstanding performance,” Dantes declared. “I am proud to represent a brand that values excellence and continuously strives to bring world-class vehicles to Filipino consumers.”

Now that we have your attention, let us share with you the good news from the conference.

For that, let the rest of this article be properly framed by this paragraph from the press release:

In just two years under Astara’s management, GAC Motor has achieved remarkable milestones, including rapid dealership expansion and significant sales growth. The conference served as a platform to acknowledge the contributions of its dealer partners in establishing GAC Motor as a formidable player in the automotive industry.

That’s really all you need to know about GAC’s current state of affairs in our market.

But let’s continue.

“At Astara, we believe that mobility is about empowering businesses, enhancing customer experiences, and building a future where innovation and profitability go hand in hand,” said Astara Philippines country manager Luis Torres. “Our journey is one of transformation, and together, we are driving forward toward growth and sustainability.”

There’s more.

“It is truly inspiring to witness the rapid evolution of GAC Motor Philippines under Astara leadership,” added GAC International general manager for Asia Region Sam Chu. “In just two years, the brand has not only grown in sales and network, but has also earned global recognitions solidifying its place as a key player in the automotive industry. Let us continue to challenge the market, set new benchmarks, and redefine what is possible together.”

Of course, what good is a dealer conference if the best performers are not recognized? Drum roll, please.

2024 SALES EXCELLENCE AWARD

Luzon Region

• Wheels Inc. (New Manila)
• AutoSpectrum Corporation (Alabang)
• 1Dynamix Automotive (Kawit)

Visayas Region

• Autocentral (Cebu)

Mindanao Region

• Davao Bonifacio Motors (Davao)
• Global Cars (Butuan)
• Otto Motto Mobility (CDO)

2024 SALES GROWTH AWARD

• Autohub Group (BGC and Sumulong)
• FAS Motors (Matina)
• Peer Motortek Sales Corporation (Nueva Ecija)
• Autokid Subic Trading Corporation (Mindanao Avenue and San Fernando)

2024 SERVICE EXCELLENCE AWARD

Luzon Region

• Wheels (New Manila)
• AutoSpectrum Corporation (Alabang)
• Bermaz Auto Asia (Santa Rosa)

Visayas Region

• Ponce Automobile Corporation (Bacolod)

Mindanao Region

• Davao Bonifacio Motors (Davao)

So, we choose to believe Astara when it swears that its GAC business is going strong and is indeed in good health. Let us not forget that it wasn’t too long ago when the brand was legitimately battling for the top spot among the Chinese marques in our market. Its reputation was so strong it didn’t really need the endorsement of a celebrity.

But yeah, Dingdong Dantes could lend a helping (and muscular) hand right now. Especially in convincing people to read insipid articles by aging motoring journalists.