Changan PH distributorship now under Inchcape

Aside from premium brands, Inchcape Philippines is also set to distribute mass-market vehicles under Changan.

The latest development was announced after Changan International Corporation (CIC) appointed the global automotive firm to market its offerings in the country through the joint venture between Inchcape and CATS Group of Companies.

To note, Inchcape Philippines is currently distributing Mercedes Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Jaguar, Ram, Land Rover, and Harley-Davidson.

Prior to the announcement, the Changan brand was marketed by Changan Motor Philippines Incorporated led by Ma. Fe Agudo after its then distributor, Berjaya Auto Asia, rebranded into Kaicene.  

Per Inchcape Philippines, the newly-formed collaboration will “leverage the strengths of both parties, including 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.”

“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,” Changan International Corporation Vice General Manager Tom Yin said.

“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,” he added.

For his part, Inchcape South Asia and Pacific Managing Director Alex Hammett expressed his excitement over the partnership.

“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.”

Within the month, Inchcape will take over the distributor across more than 25 Changan sales facilities nationwide.

Currently, the local Changan fleet is made up of the Alsvin sedan, CS35 Plus compact crossover, CS55 Plus compact sport utility vehicles, as well the marque’s premium offerings namely the Uni-T and Uni-K.

Further, Inchcape Philippines noted that Changan’s investments in new energy vehicle platforms also has the potential to expand Inchcape’s electric vehicle (EV) offering. On the other hand, Changan will get to enjoy the benefits of Inchcape’s strong track record of successful market entries and industry-leading capabilities for data, digital, and technology services.

Photos from Inchcape Philippines, Ruben Manahan IV

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