MANTRADE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - Makati City, Philippines

Universal Motors Corporation (UMC), the country's largest and oldest 100% Filipino-owned assembler and distributor of Nissan Light Commercial Vehicles, has proven in its 53 solid years of experience in the local automotive industry that resiliency is an essential key to success. UMC's humble beginnings began in April 1954. With a paid up capital of P125,000 the Lee brothers, together with its partners, formed UMC. The company pioneered in the assembly and distribution of automobiles, starting with Mercedes Benz October 1955. In 1971, UMC entered into a distributorship agreement with Nissan and by the following year, assembled and distributed Datsun (former name of Nissan) passenger cars. In the early 1980's UMC concentrated on the production of Nissan light commercial vehicles (LCV's).  

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This was a major paradigm shift for the company since LCV's at that time did not enjoy the kind of popularity that would encourage anyone to venture boldly into assembly operations. UMC took on the challenge, ventured forth and from then on been known in the market and industry for its commitment to provide customers with products of exceptional quality and reliability.