It’s official: Inchcape Philippines just lost itself another brand. Having already lost their sole Mazda dealership and the distributorship of Stellantis’ Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram brands, they’re set to lose Changan.
In a statement, Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the Philippines.
The partnership is now in a transition period that will run through Q4 2026.
During that timeframe, existing customer commitments, including aftersales, warranty, parts and service support remain valid throughout the transition period.
Alex Hammett, Managing Director, South Asia & Pacific, Inchcape, said:
“Since 2023, Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together to build the Changan brand in the Philippines, supported by Inchcape’s local expertise, distribution capabilities and dealer network.”
“We are committed to supporting our customers, colleagues, dealers and business partners through this transition, and I would like to thank our team at Inchcape Philippines and our dealer partners for their valuable contribution to building and supporting the Changan brand in the Philippines over the past three years.”
Although Inchcape still claims that the Philippines remains an important market, writing is on the wall for a possible downsizing, or outright closure. At least when it comes to its automotive distribution and retail business as the business cannot be supported by the dwindling sales numbers of Mercedes-Benz (cars, trucks, buses) as well as Jaguar Land Rover and Harley-Davidson.
It must be noted that Inchcape (or more like its land lord) opted not to renew both its Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar Land Rover BGC locations. This has forced Inchcape to centralize its main retail operations along EDSA in San Juan City.
The most likely scenario is the retainment of just Inchcape’s Digital Delivery Center and Global Business Services teams, which supports Inchcape’s global operations.
Wow! Inchscape just launched CS 35 Max and this year had the Nevo EV trio and Eado Plus. And a couple of new dealers had just joined the group. Now it is out from selling Changan. Although not exactly surprising. Changan sales in PH is so negligible for a volume brand. Will Changan PH be taken in as a sub of Changan China?
ReplyDeletechinese cars buy at your own risk.
ReplyDeletealso Changan itself (at least here in the country) is still not generating much steam compared to other Chinese brands.
ReplyDeleteSimply less trusted company in the world integrity of your government at present situation approach contrary to reality by action.
ReplyDeleteChangan is one of the more established carmakers in China and on paper, they should be a safe bet. Alas their marketing in the country is sub-par. I hope things turn around with the principals at the helm. I really like their cars. The have those tight, tense lines that mimic Hondas.
ReplyDeleteanother one bites the dust. commie cars for the win. dont worry another brand will come in and another will leave. for china cars it is a cycle
ReplyDeleteAny product in the market will have its cycle of entry and exit. In a global market, the same goes whatever country it came from. With hundreds of brands from China, I would expect not all players will survive. They will come and go. We have a small car market so it is survival of the fittest. The same reality is expected from other sources - US Brands (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, RAM), Korean (Ssangyong), EU (Peugeot), These may still operate globally but just have no presence here.
DeleteBrands may come and leave the country, sure. But if a business like Inchape consistently shows themselves struggling then they will not attract new partners. You're mixing up the larger market with a single local player.
DeleteI thought they were bringing in Xpeng? Is Xpeng coming in directly too?
ReplyDeleteXpeng is coming in directly as a national sales office, not through Inchcape. But, we've heard that Xpeng tried signing Inchcape as a dealer...so far no word if the parties agreed to that.
DeleteJapanese car are happy now, they have one very potential China car competition less.
ReplyDeleteSpecially Changan eado sedan car which is very much value wise than toyo vios, mitsu mirage.
Haponese cars don't celebrate early, Changan will retain and continue here in new distribution corporation.