Here's an article on Alana Motors from PDI
http://money.inquirer.net/topstories...8&dd=28&file=3

[SIZE="4"]Three generations of road warriors[/SIZE]
[SIZE="1"]Posted: 2:56 AM | Aug. 28, 2005
Inquirer News Service
Published on Page B6 of the August 28, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer[/SIZE]

THREE decades ago, Teodoro Alana would never have thought that the humble "calesa" [horse-drawn carriage] shop he established in their town of Lucena in the eastern province of Quezon would someday become a world-class motor vehicle manufacturer churning out the fearsome and intimidating Hummer.

From its traditional beginnings, Teodoro's venture expanded to rebuilding Willy's Jeeps that were popular at that time.

In the 1980's, his son Alfredo diversified and went into the production of passenger jeepneys. By then, the company was already known as Alana II Motors. It was also continuously expanding and innovating uniquely hand- and machine- crafted vehicle designs. Furthermore, in response to the growing demand for all-purpose vehicles, cruisers and Wrangler jeeps, the company decided to introduce to the market Alana Hammer Performers, their own version of SUVs and AUVs.

Today, there is no stopping the third generation from engaging in the same passion. Spurred by the growing interest in SUVs and off-roaders, grandchildren Jasper, Jian and Julius five years ago came up with their version of the Hummer they call AMC Hammer.

"It was because of our innate family inclination, unwavering vision and great passion to make a vehicle with a difference that we, the third generation Alanas, decided to continue the legacy that our grandfather started," explains Jasper, 26.

Gulf War-inspired

Inspired by the imposing look of the Gulf War-tested Hummer, AMC's design team conceptualized and created a keen and mean copy of the original Hummer.

"The rise in interest in the original Am General Hummer in the Philippines was primarily brought out by the Gulf War in the early '90s," recounts Jasper. "Pictures and CNN images of the war would catch the Hummer in its most intimidating and imposing state alongside army tanks and other war vehicles."

With this exposure, a fascination was sparked in the hearts and minds of Filipino car enthusiasts and hobbyists. It was an opportunity too good to pass up for Jasper and his brothers who were still then in high school. In their young minds, they were already tinkering with the idea of making their own version primarily for their personal use. After all, their jeep manufacturing company is just there.

"What started out as a hobby for us soon became a business opportunity as we found ourselves being stopped in the middle of the road by complete strangers ogling and wondering where they could get themselves their own unit," Jasper shares.

So inspired by an idea that has found a market long before it was even launched, the brothers designed the first two models of AMC Hammer Pickup and AMC Hammer Wagon.

"We were aware that we were venturing towards a totally different market from our dad and granddad so we kept our focus on our production, manufacturing limited AMC Hammer pickup and wagon which we made available only through a per order basis," enthuses Jasper, a graduate of Industrial Economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

Yet, despite the modern technologies available, top quality and impeccable craftsmanship is top of mind for the Alana grandchildren. To this day, tradition plays a big role in the manufacture process of the Hammers, which for the most part is hand-carved by their seasoned crew. They also adhere to using only one type of surplus chassis for easier maintenance and repair.

At the 11th Motorshow International (Manila) at the World Trade Center in 2002, local and international audiences were captivated by the solid and grand looks of the AMC Hammer. Under the close scrutiny and meticulous standards of local car enthusiasts and exhibitors, as well as foreign delegates, the company has since gained loyal clients both here and abroad.

Standing out

Aware that there are other competitors in the local manufacture of the Hummer-type of vehicles, AMC differentiates itself by being the only one that custom builds according to the specifications, and yes oftentimes whims, of its clients and delivers right at their doorstep within a couple of months. They shun ready-made body kits that can be easily assembled and completed by local mechanics.

Furthermore, they use only a single brand of the integral parts of the vehicle and do not resort to the "chopsuey" style of assembling vehicles.

"Compared with others who assemble using a hodge-podge of brands, we only use one kind, one brand of Japanese surplus parts," Jasper explains. "This is our service to our client because it makes things convenient for them to maintain and repair the vehicle."

Who then is the Hammer user?

Jasper observes that most AMC Hammer owners are lured into acquiring the much-prized vehicle because of its physical appearance and performance, add to that the robust look and feel that comes with its imposing and fearsome stance as it traverses the roads.

The AMC Hammer has captured more than its fair share of powerful clientele that includes politicians, affluent businessmen, practical contractors and off-roaders who use them as either their Sunday car, service vehicle, or off-road wagon of choice.

"The instant 'celebrity feel' owners experience when driving around with their AMC Hammers is courtesy of the stares, waves and thumbs-up sign from strangers as they drive by," Jasper shares.

Export-worthy

The contribution of AMC's three generations to local vehicle manufacturing gives them the lead in showcasing Filipino craftsmanship and ingenuity. The superior, standout qualities of AMC Hammers among other assemblers and manufacturers have made them export-worthy. A vehicle manufacturer in Australia has been outsourcing the AMC Hammers for a year now with orders coming in every month.

In the near future, the Alana brothers plan to introduce a smaller breed of their AMC Hammer closely patterned after the original H2 from the United States. Plans of expanding their product line to include special features such as bulletproof exteriors and Limousine Hammer vehicle services are also in the offing.

At the forthcoming 14th Motorshow International on Sept. 14-18, 2005 at the Forum in the Philippine International Convention Center, AMC will surely turn heads once again when it exhibits a restored original Hummer alongside their own version. An additional third unit is a lowered AMC Hammer wagon. AMC will join the hundreds of participating manufacturers, car clubs, car accessories companies and many more in the country's biggest and longest running auto and cycle show mounted by Philippine Exhibits and Theme Parks Corp.