Ford Philippines has strengthened its commitment to improving customer ownership experience with the opening of its new Ford Learning Center in Calamba, Laguna, while also announcing the appointment of Pushparaj "Raj" Muthusamy as the company's new director of the Customer Service Division.

The newly inaugurated Ford Learning Center serves as the central training hub for dealership personnel across the country. Spanning 1,500 square meters, the facility replaces Ford's previous training center in Makati and significantly expands the company's capacity to train both technical and non-technical staff using modern equipment, globally aligned processes, and dedicated learning spaces.

Among its key features are seven mechanical bays—including a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) training bay—four classrooms capable of accommodating more than 100 participants, a Ford showroom for product training, meeting rooms, office spaces, and a 72-seat cafeteria. The workshop area mirrors a real dealership environment, allowing technicians and service personnel to receive hands-on instruction for both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle servicing. 

According to Ford Philippines Managing Director Pedro Simoes, the facility represents more than just a new building. "The opening of the Learning Center is not just about opening a new building; it is about building the future of Ford in the Philippines," he said, adding that well-trained dealership personnel play a key role in delivering a seamless ownership experience beyond the sale of a vehicle.

The learning center also forms part of Ford's broader effort to modernize its after-sales operations. It complements the opening of the Ford Parts Distribution Center in Laguna in 2024 and supports customer-focused services such as Online Service Booking, Mobile Service Vehicle, Express Service, Service Price Calculator, and Pickup and Delivery. 

Coinciding with the facility's launch, Ford Philippines announced the appointment of Pushparaj Muthusamy as director of its Customer Service Division. Based in Manila, Raj succeeds Joyce Laxamana, who has moved into the role of Parts Supply and Logistics Director for Ford ASEAN.

In his new position, Raj will oversee Ford's aftersales operations in the country, with responsibilities that include enhancing customer ownership experience, improving service retention through data-driven initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with the brand's dealer network.

Simoes said Raj's expertise in customer service and analytics will help drive Ford's next phase of after-sales growth. Before joining the Philippine operations, Raj held several leadership roles within Ford's International Markets Group, where he led AI- and machine learning-powered service retention campaigns that significantly improved customer service conversions, as well as strategic retention programs in South Africa.

Raj joined Ford Motor Company in 2020 and brings more than 15 years of experience in after-sales planning, service processes, retail marketing, and data analytics. He earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Automobile Engineering from the Madras Institute of Technology in Chennai and is expected to play a key role in supporting Ford Philippines' continued investment in customer service excellence.