About Us
Meet Our Team
A Leading Car Dealer For Over 40 Years
A Leading Car Dealer For Over 40 Years
KarAsia started as a small venture with limited finances but with guts fired by passion and good intention. Perhaps it is the love of cars by Celestino ‘Al’ Barretto that made him go against the tide of joining powerful groups but instead tried to build his own car business. With the help of a friend who believed in his plan and potential who lent him One Million Pesos, Al geared up for business.
OUR VISION
To be the premier automotive dealer renowned for its excellent total customer service.
OUR MISSION
Guided by faith and grounded in integrity, we aim to deliver excellent customer service marked by quality, authenticity, and care. We aspire to make every engagement meaningful as we continue to evolve to better serve our community.
CORE VALUES
L oyalty
E xcellence
A ccountability
D iscipline
E mpathy
R eligiosity
S tewardship
Since 1982
KarAsia, Inc. (KAI) began its journey as an exclusive Mitsubishi car dealership in July 1982. Driven by youthful enthusiasm and unwavering faith, our founder launched the company with just 11 employees, himself included, multitasking as manager, salesman, driver, errand boy, and even janitor when needed.
Despite tireless efforts, the first month resulted in a loss of Php 57,000. Yet, by the end of that same year, perseverance paid off as five vehicles were sold, and the initial losses were recovered. Although business was challenging, dedication and a sincere commitment to customer satisfaction drove KarAsia forward. Our guiding principle has always been earning the trust and confidence of our customers, providing exceptional sales and after-sales services, and nurturing loyal customers, our valued ‘suki’. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority and our reason for existing.
Growth followed persistence. In 1990, we expanded by opening our Matina outlet, increasing our team to around 60 dedicated employees across Bajada and Matina locations. By January 1995, KarAsia proudly opened its Tagum branch. Guided consistently by our foundational belief in ethical business practices and our commitment to creating employment opportunities, KAI continued to thrive. From selling only five cars in the first six months of our operation, KarAsia has grown tremendously, averaging sales of 120 units per month by 2016.
It brings a smile to recall that our founder, Al Barretto’s first Mitsubishi car was a humble Minica. Over the years, he has enjoyed driving practically every Mitsubishi model, now delighting in his Montero. Life truly holds wonderful surprises, from a modest Minica to the impressive Montero, from humble beginnings toward even greater heights. But as we always believe, the best is yet to come, in God’s perfect timing. It’s a testament that dreams and fairy tales do come true when you hold steadfast faith.
Kar Asia Today
Celebrating important milestones on our R.O.A.D. to 50 years.
Vehicles in Stock
Vehicles Sold
R.O.A.D. to
Years in Business
Message from Our President
Sharmila B. Ong
PRESIDENT - KAI Group of Companies
We celebrate with GRATITUDE today!
As we begin another year of grace, we remind ourselves of the relationships we have as a community and as ONE KAR ASIA FAMILY. Every task, every endeavor, every challenge, and every victory come from a concerted effort from all people in every branch and department of Kar Asia, Inc.
It is with pride that I share this moment with you. I give the spotlight to all the Managers, Employees, and Staff of our company who have been committed to helping the Management gear up and buckle up as we traverse all roads to greater heights! You are our partners in this journey. We thank you for your dedication to work and your sincere support in our growth, in continuing our thrust for excellent and caring service for the community.
As we move forward creating positive change, we also value the collaboration we have with our customers and business partners who help us grow with a purpose. You are an integral part of our business and your trust fortifies our stronghold to pursue the dynamic advantage and growth as a company.
We will always be grateful to our unseen Manager, the Source of all Goodness, to God Almighty, for being our constant moral compass. May we always fulfill our hearts’ desires to care beyond the service we provide for you!
Hand in hand, we commemorate this day as we continue to always be Ready to Overcome and Achieve in this Decade.
Here’s to celebrating 43 years as one company, one family, rooted in growth and growing with purpose.
God bless us all!