So you really think that the COVID-19 pandemic has knocked some sense into the country’s automotive businessmen and keep them from investing due to the uncertain times?
Think again.
The same group behind the Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. which distributes the popular Korean brand here is finally pushing through with the market re-launch of the Chinese brand Changan this month.
According to reliable Inquirer Mobility sources, the new company will be called Changan Philippines, Inc.
The initiative reportedly got an encouraging response from no less than 40 dealer principals when asked by Changan executives to add the brand to their business portfolio last week in a well-attended conference via zoom.
Some of the dealer principals were actually supposed to join a business meeting at the Changan headquarters in Chongqing, China last March that was eventually cancelled at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile, the erstwhile distributor of the Changan brand’s A logo here – Berjaya Auto Asia Inc. – will give way to the new group and will carry the brand Kaicene carrying the A logo instead.
While Changan will be selling SUVs and passenger vehicles, Kaicene will be selling commercial vehicles and micro trucks. Changan also owns a third automotive brand called Ooshan selling lowend MPVs and SUVs.
Changan is one of the “Big Four” Chinese automakers along with SAIC Motor, FAW Group, and Dongfeng Motor Corporation.
The other Chinese brands in the local market are Foton, MG, GAC, Chery, BAIC, BYD, JAC and Dong Feng, the formal launch of which was scheduled last March but no definite date was given due to the lockdowns.
