Touted as China’s 4th largest automotive player, Changan has finally arrived in the Philippines, providing affordable mobility solutions aimed at the commercial vehicle market. The brand will be handled by newly-formed distributor Berjaya Auto Asia, Inc.
Changan itself is no newbie to the automotive landscape, with its history dating back from 61 years of commercial vehicle production and 35 years of passenger vehicle production, sales, and service experience tucked under its 157-year old belt.
During this time, Changan has set up a slew of manufacturing plants in its home market of China, along with other facilities in Japan, Europe, and Detroit, USA. It has built vehicles on its own and in partnership with some of the largest automobile brands which happen to be some of the most popular brands in the Philippines as well. Moreover, each vehicle it produces is built to meet high global standards. It likewise ensures that parts and service are available to customers around the world, with more than six hectares of parts production facility in its headquarters in Chongqing.
In our market, the Changan brand will be distributed by Berjaya Auto Asia, Inc., and will be retailed under the Auto Asia brand name together with SsangYong. There will initially be two products on the commercial side of the industry: the Honor S 7-seat MPV and the Star Truck small truck. Both vehicles are targeted at clients looking for a ride for the family or for their small to medium scale business that won’t break the bank.
The Honor S retails for just P585,000 yet offers an excellent value-for-money proposition. From the outside, the Honor S has a cleanly designed exterior, and while there’s only so much that could be done to a utility van’s design, the Honor S looks well proportioned. Despite its price, it even gets 14-inch alloy wheels, projector halogen headlights with manual leveling, and dual sliding doors.
The interior is well thought out as well for its price, and it includes features normally found in much more expensive vehicles, such as a 10-inch Android-based LCD infotainment screen, ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the second row of seats, reverse camera with rear parking sensors, among other features. There is also an option for an 8-seater configuration for those who need to carry more people.
The 7-passenger MPV is powered by a 1.5-liter petrol engine that produces out 105 hp and 145 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.
Entrepreneurs looking for an affordable yet quality ride for their venture can check out the Changan Star Truck. Available in either Cab and Chassis and Dropside body styles as well as one with an aluminum box, the small truck gets its power from a 1.2-liter petrol engine with 97 hp and 119Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual driving the rear wheels. While its primary purpose is to haul cargo, driver and passengers still enjoy the benefits of a 2-DIN CD player, as well as 3-point seatbelts for all occupants. The Star Truck retails for P435,000 for the Cab and Chassis, P455,000 for the Dropside body style, and P488,000 for the variant with a built-in aluminum box.
While these two are part of Changan’s initial foray into the Philippine market, Auto Asia will give customers total peace of mind by serving up readily available parts and service at its Sta. Rosa, Laguna facility. The dealership will even be complemented by their Mobile Service Van that will gladly give your Changan some much-needed TLC, provided you are within 100kms of the dealership. What’s more, you will only be charged by the distance, on top of the regular Periodic Maintenance Service fees.
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