Changan returns with new distributor, to launch 5 vehicles on Nov. 26

MANILA: Despite a difficult 2020, auto companies have been soldiering on and actually ramping up activities. Now, one of China’s top four brands is set to return to the local market in a big way. Changan, now distributed by Changan Motor Philippines, Inc. (CMPI), will make available five new vehicles in different market segments beginning November 26.

This was revealed in yesterday’s official Philippines launch for the brand.

In response to a question from ZIGWHEELS PH, CMPI President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo (also the head of Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc.) said the main differentiator of Changan from other Chinese automotive brands is its “very rich history as a company spanning 158 years – 37 years of those in cars.”

The veteran executive also pointed out that last year, Changan sold a total of 1.3 million units globally, and added that quality is virtually assured because of the company’s “strong backbone in R&D (research and development).” Changan funnels five percent of its annual revenue back into its R&D. “This means you want quality,” underscored Perez-Agudo, and shared that Changan now has “19 million satisfied customers.”

In a release, CMPI said that the brand has a strong presence in the Middle East, South America, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, and musters a yearly production volume of four million units. The characters “Chang” and “An” together mean “lasting safety.”

The five vehicles to be made available are:

• Changan Alsvin subcompact sedan. Powered by either a 1.4L (for the MT) or a 1.5L (AT), this car stretches 4.39m and is 1.275m wide. It has a seven-inch touchscreen, powered sunroof, cruise control, blind spot aid, rear cameras, tire pressure monitoring system, dual airbags, and leather seats. It is marked by a so-called butterfly wing radiator grille.
• Changan CS35 Plus subcompact SUV. Described as an “interactive and social SUV,” the CS35 Plus is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine delivering 158ps and 230Nm. It runs on 18-inch alloy wheels, and features a 10-inch touchscreen that plays both music and videos. The SUV has high-mount stop lamps and a panoramic sunroof.
• Changan CS75 Plus compact SUV. Measuring 1.867m wide and with a 2.71m wheelbase, the SUV easily accommodates five passengers, and features an air-conditioning system with N95 filter. It has 60/40 split folding seats, a sporty D-shaped steering wheel, a seven-inch digital cluster, 12-inch touchscreen, and push start-stop button. Under the hood is a 1.5L turbo engine generating 178ps and 265Nm. It has three drive modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), a tire-pressure monitoring system, and six airbags.
• Changan C95 seven-seater mid-size SUV. Described by Perez-Agudo as a “bestseller,” the “intelligent SUV” boasts LED headlamps and taillights, 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, 10-inch digital cluster, 360-degree high-definition panoramic camera, and 12.3-inch touch screen. It is motivated by a 2.0L turbocharged GDI engine. Its air-conditioning system features an N95 filter.
• Changan Eado EV460 full-electric vehicle. Named the best “green” car in China (selling some 90,000 units since its launch), the Eado EV460 gets six airbags, electric stability control, leather seats, and more. This will be available on indent order.

CMPI is upping the ante and getting behind its professed confidence for Changan by offering a five-year, 150,000-kilometer warranty and free preventive maintenance services for the first year, or up to 20,000 kilometers. The company also asserts that “each model completed four million kilometers in test mileage plus 4,500 tests in 15 areas including strength, safety, and environment.”

Changan presently has 15 dealerships nationwide, with 24 soon-to-rise dealerships currently operating as sales outlets. Pioneer dealerships offer complete sales and after sales services and genuine parts. CMPI plans to grow the network to 39 dealerships in the next few years.

 Changan is also rolling out its “Vital 5” program to further push its vehicles. The five aspects of the program are:

1. The aforementioned five-year, 150,000-km warranty;
2. An online service appointment booking facility, and 100% assurance of maintenance parts ability;
3. A Changan Fast Lane where two service technicians will work on preventive maintenance work for a speedy 60 minutes;
4. Free towing;
5. A 24/7 customer care hotline to technicians and a parts center.

Pricing is expected to be revealed ahead of or during the launch of the five vehicles.

Photos from Changan Motor Philippines