Leading global automotive distributor Inchcape just announced that it has been appointed by Changan International Corporation to distribute its vehicles in the Philippines, a brand formerly distributed by CMPI since November, 2020. With the official appointment of Inchcape Philippines, the company takes on the distributorship of Changan and is a joint venture between the Inchcape Group and the CATS Group of Companies.
The joint venture started only January this year, capitalizing on Inchcape’s international geographic reach and CATS Group of Companies’ strong local presence that initially included partnerships to represent Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Jaguar and Land Rover in the country. In a press statement, it leverages the resources and strengths of both parties, and adding Changan’s advanced research and development capability, competitive products, superior services and supply chain, and Inchcape’s local market insight, rich experience of distribution and retailing, and advanced digital capabilities in delivering excellent customer experiences.
Tom Yin, Vice General Manager, Changan International Corporation, commented, “With global partnerships firmly embedded in Changan’s history, this agreement with Inchcape is a landmark step in Changan’s mission to pioneer auto culture and benefit human life. In charting the future of mobility, Changan is focused on a new-energy strategy which counts the completion of three major new special energy platforms and the complete electrification of all products among its goals. Combined with Inchcape’s excellence in market expansion and distribution, it is our shared ambition that more Filipinos enjoy the lasting safety that Changan automobile can provide.”
Alex Hammett, Managing Director, South Asia & Pacific, Inchcape commented, “We are pleased to join hands with Changan, a leading OEM to distribute their extensive and high-quality vehicle portfolio in the Philippines. This is an exciting milestone for us as we see strong growth potential in the Philippines and opportunities for shared success with Changan. This is a great example of our strategy in action, accelerating the performance of our mobility company partners, and Inchcape being the automotive distributor of choice.”
With this distributor agreement, Inchcape Philippines’ distribution footprint is expected carry it into a more mainstream market, aside from its very strong presence it has made on the premium segment of the local automotive market.
As of this writing, Inchcape Philippines will have a network of over 25 Changan dealerships and sales outlets in the country. Its vehicle lineup includes the Alsvin Sedan, the CS35 Plus compact crossover, CS55 Plus compact SUV, and premium models of UNI-T and UNI-K. Changan’s new energy vehicle platform tips the balance of the electric vehicle (EV) portfolio for Inchcape as the market continues to watch with interest in this growing and tech-driven segment.
