You already know that the Chinese automaker Chery is officially back in the Philippine market, this time with a fourth distributor since the first one back in 2007. The new importer and seller, United Asia Automotive Group Inc.—which is basically the same team behind the successful (and also Chinese) Foton brand in our territory—has decided to bring in just crossover models for now.
As we told you in a separate article, Chery is now trying to woo Filipino car buyers by offering a five-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year engine warranty, and free three-year preventive maintenance service. Now, are these enough for a damaged Chinese brand that is attempting to piece together whatever is left of its reputation in our market?
According to a dealer principal that is now tasked to sell the new Chery crossovers, pricing will most definitely play a huge part in the brand’s fate in the country. “It is not enough that they are P100,000 cheaper compared to the competition,” he told us during the brand relaunch the other day. “They need to be at least 20% more affordable for buyers to even notice.”
So, do you think the new Chery distributor got its pricing right?
Tiggo 2. Dimensions: 4,200mm long, 1,760mm wide and 1,750mm tall. Engine: 1.5-liter gasoline engine (106hp and 135Nm). Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.
- Manual – P695,000
- Automatic – P770,000
Tiggo 5X. Dimensions: 4,358mm long, 1,830mm wide and 1,670mm tall. Engine: 1.5-liter gasoline engine (114hp and 141Nm). Transmission: 5-speed manual or CVT.
- Manual – P818,000
- CVT – P860,000
- CVT Luxury – P950,000
Tiggo 7. Dimensions: 4,505mm long, 1,837mm wide and 1,670mm tall. Engine: 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine (145hp and 210Nm). Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- DCT – P1,195,000
Tiggo 8. Dimensions: 4,700mm long, 1,858mm wide and 1,746mm tall. Engine: 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine (145hp and 210Nm). Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch automatic.
- DCT – P1,280,000
- DCT Luxury – P1,340,000
If you’re wondering why all four crossover models have 1.5-liter gasoline engines, that’s because China-sourced vehicles that have 1.5-liter (or less) powerplants enjoy 5% import duties.
Of course, the standard equipment of these vehicles should also be factored in when evaluating their worth. But given just their exterior dimensions, engines and transmissions, do you feel they stand a chance against their more established rivals? Make your opinion count by posting a comment.
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