QSJ Motors Philippines officially launches the Seres brand in the local market. Starting with a three-vehicle-line-up, the Chinese brand will officially start retail sales by September with an experience center facility and a 3S showroom to follow thereafter.
The name “Seres” derived from the Ancient Greek word “Σῆρες” means “China,” which is a signal of the brand’s aspirations to bridge the East and West—just like the historic Silk Road.
Seres Auto, formerly known as SF Motors, was established in 2016 in Santa Clara, California, as a manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). Since then, it has opened three development and design centers worldwide—one in California, one in Michigan, and one in Chongqing in China.
Seres Auto is part of the larger Seres Group which was established in 1986 as a manufacturer of automotive and household appliance components.
Boasting of a workforce of more than 20,000, Seres has built its reputation on advanced e-powertrain technologies including battery systems (in cooperation with battery maker CATL), electric drives, and electric controls. It has established partnerships with the likes of Huawei to implement cutting-edge technologies to its vehicles.
Seres’ MF Platform, for example, is a highly flexible vehicle architecture that underpins its vehicles. Not only does it deliver industry-leading safety performance, but it allows Seres to roll out a diverse mix of powertrain, chassis, and software technologies across their entire line-up.
Its Philippine partner, QSJ Motors Philippines, meanwhile, is a well-established importer of trucks, heavy equipment, and industrial machineries.
Established in 2010 and headquartered in Angeles City, Pampanga, QSJ has a technical licensing agreement with Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Tang Jun Ou Ling Shandong Automobile Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Tang Jun), a company with more than 50 years of experience in the automotive industry, for the production and assembly of “T-King” trucks in the Philippines.
Under its partnership with QSJ Motors Philippines, Seres is offering the Seres 5, Series 5 SF, and the Seres 7.
The Seres 5 is a midsize 5-seater range-extended electric vehicle powered either by single or dual electric motors. In the rear-wheel drive version (Comfort), it puts out 266 hp and 354 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, in the all-wheel drive version (Premium), this goes up to 487 hp and 664 Nm. In both cases, a 40-kWh ternary lithium battery helps it cover 158 to 184 kilometers (NEDC standard) before having the 1.5-liter turbo gasoline generator kick in for a range of up to 1,250 kilometers. Alternatively, it can be plugged in via AC or DC fast charging.
Then, there’s the Seres 5 SF (Saker Falcon). Based on the Seres 5 EV, the Saker Falcon dons unique styling elements that sets it apart. The limited edition Seres 5 SF comes only in one variant and here, the dual motor setup is good for a combined 584 hp and 940 Nm of torque. The 90-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery allows up to 530 kilometers (WLTP standard) of range. 0 to 100 km/h takes just 3.7 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 220 km/h.
Finally, there’s the Seres 7 large three-row SUV. Like the Seres 5, this one is a range-extended electric vehicle. Measuring at over 5 meters in length (wheelbase is 2,820 mm), it’s offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The rear-wheel drive (Comfort) variant puts out 266 hp and 354 Nm, while the all-wheel drive (Premium) makes 439 hp and 654 Nm. The same 40-kWh battery allows for anywhere between 162 to 166 kilometers of range. Once the 1.5-liter turbo kicks in, it bumps up the range to 1,200 kilometers.
Seres’ flagship showroom will open along Quezon Avenue by 2025. Before that, an offsite experience center (test drive facility) will open on the ground floor of the Primex Tower along EDSA by the third quarter of 2024.
For more information about Seres, contact them at: +63 917-81-SERES (73737).