Chery going to top

The timing seems to be ripe for Chery Auto Philippines to stage a comeback in the Philippine market. Headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui province, China, Chery earned a reputation as China’s largest passenger car exporter. The Chery brand sold over 750,000 units last year. In the Philippines, Chery is now represented by United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI). UAAGI has successfully sustained the Foton brand in the Philippines, by carrying an extensive range of utility vehicles including pickups, vans, and small and large trucks.

Chery will now be available under a nationwide dealership network, numbering 15 early in 2020. The dealerships are located in North EDSA, Pasig, Pasong Tamo in Makati, Alabang, Cainta in Rizal, Marilao, La Union, Bacoor in Cavite, GMA in Cavite, Iloilo, Talisay in Cebu, General Santos, Davao City, Tagum in Davao, and Cagayan De Oro. The dealer principals include highly experienced groups like the Autohub Group, LICA Group, Laus Group, ANC Group, San Juan Group, and Magnum Group.

The Chery brand is now focusing on the hot market segment, the crossover. The all-crossover range is comprised of the Tiggo 2, Tiggo 5X, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8. These are posered by 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engines, with turbocharging for the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. They are mated to five-speed manual or six-speed automatics.

Chery promises modern comfort, convenience and safety features for the range. Higher end models will have 10-inch touchscreens, powered tailgate with foot-wave sensor, automatic LED headlights and taillights, cruise control, leather seats, and panoramic sunroof.

There’s been strong interest in the seven-seat, midsize Tiggo 8, starting at P1.28 million. The Tiggo 8 interior looks bang up-to-date, with the mentioned large touschreen controls and leather trim. In addition, the Tiggo 8 comes with the Philippine car industry’s first ever wearable device that doubles as a key. The Chery Smartwatch Key connects with the Tiggo 8 and can remotely control various car functions, such as lock-unlock, engine start-stop, remote trunk opening, set alarm. It also functions as a sleek fitness band, alerting the user to calls, monitoring sleep and heart rate.

The flagship Chery Tiggo 8’s turbocharged 1.5-liter engine generates 145hp and 210Nm, and is mated to a six-speed automatic. Like all new Cherys, the Tiggo 8 comes with an industry-leading 10-year / 1 million km powertrain warranty in addition to a five year general vehicle warranty. They also come with 3-year free preventive maintenance service.

Look for the Tiggo 8 to play a strong supporting role in Coco Martin’s hit TV series, Ang Probinsyano. The longest-running action drama series on Philippine TV, the series consistently gathers high ratings, leading to several extensions of its run. Martin, starring as police captain Ricardo “Cardo” Dalisay, has posted on his Instagram page some footage from the upcoming new season. Two things are certain: Cardo will be riding the new Chery Tiggo 8, in bright red no less, courtesy of police major Roxanne Opeña (played by Shaina Magdayao).