Business Mentor: How Automobilico started and succeeded
As originally published on ABS-CBN News by Armando "Butz" BartolomeBernard Libera is the fearless visionary behind the success of Automobilico.
Libera is a true car enthusiast who worked with Mitsubishi Motors dealership for 8 years before becoming an entrepreneur.
With a capital of just P28,000.00, Bernard started a carwash business. He then branched out into selling second hand cars.
It was a rough start since there was huge pressure on his part to try to raise more capital to acquire inventory and at the same time set upa decent car showroom.
The biggest hurdle was proving the company was worthy of trust, as the second hand car industry had a negative image.
Soon the pre-owned car business became main focus of Bernard, with the carwash business taking a back seat. His sales of pre-owned cars accelerated at an impressive speed, eventually pushing him to rent space in SM Bicutan. This eventually became the home and headquarters of Automobilico.
By 2013, Automobilico was registered as a privately held. Since then, Automobilico expanded and opened showrooms in SM Southmall, SM BF, and SM Novaliches.
As time passed, Automobilico no longer just sold pre-owned cars, but shifted gears into buying cars as well. They now offer immediate appraisal and payment to customers based on the quality and condition of the vehicle.
They established a relationship with both financial and insurance companies that agree with their vision of offering financing and insurance at competitive prices without sacrificing quality and integrity.
The company name, Automobilico was inspired by a street moniker for “auto-mo-bibilhin-ko” became synonymous with trust and transparency. Its market was Filipino families that dream of owning a car without sacrificing the entire household savings.
Automobilico did not stop at just buying and selling pre-owned cars, but offered additional services. To date, Automobilico offers six major services:
- AutomoLoanCo
- AutomoLinisCo
- AutomoLakadCo
- AutomoInsureCo
- AutomoDeliverCo
- AutomoGawaCo
Automobilico also allows car sellers to post their cars on the company’s high traffic website for free or in one of the showrooms.
It will always be an uncertain road in the world of entrepreneurship and only the bravest of hearts can take on the challenge.
Automobilico has now also opened itself up fro franchising. This gives other entrepreneurs a chance to manage their own, one-stop-shop of pre-owned cars.