Chongqing - Changan Philippines recently unveiled a limited-time discount across all models, permanently reducing the X7 Plus' starting price to 1,399,000 Philippine Pesos (25,116 U.S. dollars).

There are currently six Changan Auto models entered in the Philippines. (Photo/Changan Auto)

The X7 Plus entered the Philippine market last October, representing Changan Auto's mid-to-high-end SUV for the local market. Among all Changan Auto models currently available in the country, it ranks as the third-highest priced, only surpassed by the Uni series, with Uni-T at 1,679,000 Philippine Pesos and Uni-K at 2,719,000 Philippine Pesos. Sales figures for these models in 2023 are pending.

Changan Auto reported a 221% surge in Philippine retail sales to 1,787 units in 2022, up from 556 in 2021. The compact crossover SUV CS35 Plus led with 1,114 sales, followed by the sub-compact sedan Alsvin at 624, and the compact crossover SUV CS55 Plus at 49 units, per their January 16, 2023 press release.

Changan Auto made several big moves in the Philippines market last year. At the Manila International Auto Show in April, Changan Philippines showcased two models from the flagship UNI series, marking the official entry of these high-end models into the Philippine market. Previously, the highest-positioned model from Changan in the Philippines was the CS55 Plus.

Last August, Changan Philippines partnered with Inchcape Philippines, granting the latter control over the operation of Changan's dealerships and sales outlets in the country. Hyundai Asia Resources, which previously collaborated with Changan Auto, withdrew from their distribution partnership.

Subsequently, Inchcape led some Philippine media to visit Changan Auto's headquarters in Chongqing and reported on the new developments in the market, creating a wave of momentum for the car manufacturer in the Philippines.

Alex Hammett, Managing Director of Inchcape for South Asia and the Pacific, stated, "We are pleased to join hands with Changan to distribute their extensive and high-quality vehicle portfolio in the Philippines. This is an exciting milestone for us as we see strong growth potential in the Philippines and opportunities for shared success with Changan."

Currently, there are more than 25 Changan dealerships in the country. According to Changan's official release, the company's electric vehicles will also be introduced in the future.