The month of September marks the anniversary of AutoIndustriya.com. More specifically, September 2007 marks the 7th year that the site has existed. Ever since that faithful day on September 25, 2000 the site has grown tremendously by leaps and bounds. Users are of course familiar with what AutoIndustriya is all about, but very few are actually privy to how two people started a website that has grown to be one of the most popular in the Philippines.
It all started seven years ago when we came across an article in a newspaper describing how websites in the US were helping people look for cars and spare parts. Seeing as how the internet was still at its infancy during that time (there were actually very few interactive auction and classified ads sites back then), we decided to try it out in the Philippines. As such the first feature decided upon was the IndustriFinder, a searchable directory to help people look for cars, parts, accessories, etc. During the development of the website, it was decided to add more features including a classified ads section, an interactive forum, as well as articles about the automotive industry. Instead of being just a utility for searching, the site would now encompass almost every aspect of motoring.
AutoIndustriya version 1.0 went live on September 25, 2000 after around 2 months of hurried development. The IndustriFinder, classified ads, and 4sale section were still quite basic looking. Over time, the advent of new Internet technologies enabled us to put in more content, as well as better interactivity.
The site underwent its first major redesign in 2003. A lot of the features were improved and more articles were added in. The forum membership also grew by leaps and bounds. One of the major steps taken in the redesign was the addition of more motorsports coverage and feature articles. A few years later AutoIndustriya also debuted TUNED, a section featuring the most widely modified cars in the country.
A more significant redesign and redevelopment was undertaken in July 2007. In addition to the new layout, the motorsports and tuned section were separated entirely from the main site. This gives both sections their own character and identity. A significant redevelopment of the Industri Finder also ensued. This enabled users to search more accurately. A new classified ads section was also introduced with better features.
Seven years after two college students decided to start a website out of their passion for the automobile, AutoIndustriya has grown to be one of the most popular websites in the Philippines. Looking beyond 2007, the site will certainly still expand even further. In fact we already have some ideas on what to do on our next redesign.