It’s a pony with the power of two Arabian horses.
That’s how lawyer Albert Arcilla, president and CEO of Chevrolet Philippines-TCCCI, describes the strength, refinement and endurance of Chevy Trailblazer 2022 during the virtual launch of the new compact SUV. (TCCCI, or The Covenant Car Company, Inc., is the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet automobiles and parts in the country.)
“If a kalesa (carriage) would need a big car to move it, the Trailblazer, even if it was a pony, could match the power of two horses, Arabian horses, if it were to move a carriage. It’s that strong and powerful,” Albert tells The STAR in a 20-minute interview.
“The Chevy is a very premium brand. The market is now always looking for crossovers or SUVs. There will always be an entry-level SUV, there will be a medium-sized SUV, there will be a crossover SUV. Now for the Trailblazer, we are talking to the market that affirms his lifestyle and life stage,” he adds.
Albert recognizes the need for mobility in the time of the pandemic. “And if we will be mobile in the streets, at the very least, we have all the fuel efficiency. We have the passive and active safety features and all the other bells and whistles that somebody of that stature would like to have and yet not brag. You are not defined by your car but the car defines who you are.”
If the All-new 2022 Chevy Trailblazer were a person, what would be its human characteristics?
“Mature. Stable,” says Lyn Buena, Chevrolet Philippines-TCCCI EVP and director for marketing and communications services.
With excitement, Lyn adds: “The target audience for the 2022 Trailblazer, a five-seater petro-fed compact SUV, are those more mature and stable individuals. They are probably higher up on the corporate ladder, they have achieved stability in their life in terms of financial, personal and career. Right now, they don’t want to settle for just any SUV. They want something tasteful. They want something that’s evolved and something that’s discerning. Not too flashy, not too brusque, but just right, from a brand that has been making cars for over 100 years. We are also the first manufacturer in the world to ever make an SUV. So, when we talk SUV, we know what we’re talking about. This is an evolution of that process from the brand. This is a car that caters to that kind of evolved base.”
In a statement, Stuart Norris, design director of global Chevrolet compact SUVs, said, “The Trailblazer doesn’t simply let customers express their personal style — it encourages it. Its design is bold, confident, and full of personality.”
The same statement added the new car, among other characteristics, “is a five-door premium compact SUV that showcases a Camaro-inspired front fascia with LED Intellibeam Headlamps, LED DRLs and LED fog lamps. Taking center stage is Chevrolet’s signature dual-port grille, which gives its face a multilayered, dimensional appearance. The accent bar is integrated with the headlamps, helping to visually widen its stance, while a simulated front skid plate adds a sense of strength.”
Lyn admits the new car caters to individuals with more sophisticated preferences, people who want something more exclusive. These are the ones who have a household income of around P125,000 a month.
In the time when people battle against an unseen enemy and protect themselves from COVID-19, cost efficiency of living figures prominently. Times are hard but people still need to be mobile. How is the new compact SUV efficient and effective in the time of the pandemic?
According to David Ma. Antonio Zaballero, Chevrolet Philippines-TCCCI first vice president and director of product development and distribution services, “The Trailblazer has a 1.3-liter, turbo-charged intercooled engine, which is a smaller displacement than what you typically find in a compact SUV. Because it has a small displacement, it translates to fuel efficiency. In the time of pandemic, every day we hear about escalating fuel prices; fuel efficiency is really coming to be a primary concern of customers. When the price of fuel is so volatile, of course, people want to protect themselves. (They) buy something that will give them that extra edge of efficiency, translating to lower operating costs. You might say it’s the perfect product for the time. It’s the convergence of having this wonderful automobile come in at a time when there’s this uncertainty in the market and I think that’s what hopefully customers appreciate.”
According to Albert, they had been planning their product portfolio even as early as 2018, not knowing that they “would go through a very difficult period in 2019 and 2020.” The plan included how to transition to more efficient but premium cars. Thankfully, a global transition took place and “old models were liquidated” to prepare for the new ones.
What makes the Trailblazer relevant in the time of the pandemic?
Albert says, “First, we all realize that we really are mobile people. We really need to move out… I think that makes it relevant.
“Secondly, because it is efficient, not only to own it because of the fuel efficiency, it’s also cheaper. We are presenting to our market a very premium car with a very affordable price.
“Lastly, I think people need to have a good feeling about their purchase. This is not a time to show off. This is a time to be able to make the right choices… Kung maglalabas ka ng piso, siguraduhin mo yung piso mo malayo mararating (If you’re going to spend a peso, make sure it will go along way). I think that’s what makes it very relevant during this time of pandemic. At the end of the day, if you don’t feel good inside your car, paalis ka pa lang ng bahay, pangit na ang disposition mo. Pagdating mo sa bahay, pangit pa lalo disposition mo (you will have a bad disposition when you leave the house. When you get home, you will still have a bad disposition). At the very least, you feel good while you’re riding your car.”
It’s trailblazing sophistication and stability on the road. Vroom!
