Thanks to a combination of factors led by the growing public awareness about CHERY and its impressive range of crossovers and SUVs, sales of the upstart brand rocketed by a whopping 216 percent in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period last year.
This is even better than the 162-percent sales increase experienced by CHERY in July last year when the country shifted from ECQ to the less strict MECQ.
The figures reflect the strong demand for the company’s four-model lineup of crossovers—the subcompact Tiggo 2 and Tiggo 5x, the all-new compact turbocharged Tiggo 7 PRO, and the top-of-the-line midsize 7-seater turbocharged Tiggo 8.
While the entry-level yet feature-packed Tiggo 2, whose prices start at a very affordable P695,000, proved to be CHERY’s consistent bestselling model, strong showroom traffic was driven by the interest in the striking European-inspired all-new Tiggo 7 PRO, which was unveiled just last January 27.
Unlike most car brands that raised prices due to the new safeguard duties, CHERY Auto Philippines decided to retain the old prices through March and April. The dealership network has also been growing despite the logistical challenges of the pandemic. To date, its network has blossomed into 18 full-service dealerships nationwide—unprecedented for a new brand that was only introduced less than two years ago. And it’s still growing as the brand continues to scout for new unserved areas throughout the metropolis and in the rest of the country.
“We are proud to offer the exact models that Filipino car buyers are looking for, especially in these times,” said CHERY Auto Philippines president Rommel Sytin. “People need reliable, safe yet affordable mobility and we have the right mix of value-packed models with luxury, comfort, and safety features to suit any requirement or budget,” he added.
Leading the sales charge is the Tiggo 2 subcompact crossover, which is now available in head-turning two-tone colors with black roof and pillars. The Tiggo 2 is powered by a Euro 5-compliant 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve VVT engine and comes in manual (P695,000) and automatic (P770,000) variants.
One level higher is the higher-spec’d Tiggo 5x subcompact crossover which shares the Tiggo 2’s drivetrain and also comes in manual (P818,000) and automatic (P860,000) versions. A fully loaded (with sunroof and a generous array of comfort and convenience features) Tiggo 5x Luxury comes with a price of P950,000.
One size higher is the all-new Tiggo 7 Pro, powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine boasting 145hp and 210Nm of torque and an automatic transmission. This head turner is equipped with a 1.1 sqm panoramic sunroof, 10.25 inch touch screen with 360-degree view monitoring, Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink Connectivity. It also has a wireless mobile charger, Autohold + EPB, automatic tailgate opening and surround airbags for total convenience and safety. The Tiggo 7 PRO retails for P1,198,000.
Known as the first smartwatch-controlled car in the Philippines, the 7-seater Tiggo 8 also surprises new car buyers with its premium build quality and luxury car features. It also has a turbo 1.5-liter engine and automatic and is priced at P1,280,000. An even more fully loaded Tiggo 8 Luxury EX goes for P1,340,000.
Equally compelling reasons to buy a CHERY is the company’s EC Mobile Home Service, which enables a fully trained and health protocol-compliant service crew to perform maintenance and repairs on any Chery model in the comfort and safety of your own home — much appreciated in this time of pandemic.
Last but not least is CHERY’s industry-leading warranty and PMS program, which features an industry-leading 10-year/1 million-km engine warranty, 5-year general warranty, 3-year roadside assistance, and a FREE full preventive maintenance service (PMS) for 3 years.