After a recent preview for the media and potential dealer partners, Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI) finally showed off its lineup of vehicles for the general public at this year’s Manila International Auto Show – ongoing until Sunday, April 16.
Those unfamiliar with the brand may be more acquainted with its mother company, Chery Holdings. Jetour was formerly a sub-brand of SUVs within the ambit of Chinese automotive giant, then was later spun-off into its own in 2018. Today, more than 550,000 Jetours have been sold, and the company exports its automobiles to more than 30 countries, and has a network of over 300 sales and after-sales facilities.
Leading the charge in the Philippines is the Jetour Dashing five-seater crossover, priced at P1.329 million. The Dashing features six Sony speakers, headrest audio, a large 12.8-inch LED screen, wireless phone charger, sport seats, armrest box with cooling function, a panoramic sunroof, a so-called Smart Rubik’s Cube key, and other features that surely will get the attention of browsers at this crucial price point.
While the Dashing has a lone trim, the seven-seater Jetour X70 comes in three, priced as follows: X70 Journey (P1.099 million), which gets an eight-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and an electronic parking brake; X70 Tour (P1.259 million) with 20-inch aluminum alloys and a panoramic sunroof; and X70 Sport (P1.299 million) with an electronic rear tailgate and brown leather interior.
Meanwhile, the most premium X70 earns a “Plus” in its moniker. This one, priced at P1.499 million, gets a six-speed wet DCT transmission and six-way power seats, in addition to the all the good stuff previously mentioned. And Jetour will surely make waves with its all-electric release, the appropriately named Ice Cream. Retailing for P699,000, it is the most affordable EV of its kind. The three-door vehicle with 12-inch wheels ferries four adults in surprising comfort. Appropriately, its colorways are equally delicious: Matcha, Strawberry, Vanilla, and Blueberry.
JAPI said it is “pursuing an aggressive network ramp-up to make Jetour vehicles and after-sales services available to more people. Eight dealership locations have been initially identified, and these are in key points in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.”
There’s quite a bit of confidence in the company, as it projected sales of 1,500 units on its first year of operations. This conviction extends to the warranties JAPI is prepared to extend to Jetour vehicles. The units will be backed up with a six-year general warranty with unlimited mileage, and a 10-year engine warranty.
Behind JAPI are two established major players in the local auto industry: the Gateway Group and the AutoSpeedyGo Group. This is arguably its biggest strength as it seeks to get a firm foothold in the industry.
The Gateway Group was founded in 2004 by the Goho family, and is the largest dealer group in the Philippines. It has a considerable portfolio of established auto brands under its fold, namely (in alphabetical order): BMW, Changan, Chevrolet, Chery, Foton, Fuso, GAC, Geely, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Maxus, Mitsubishi, MG, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo. Gateway operates in 53 major cities and provinces in the country. On the other hand, AutoSpeedyGo Group was co-founded in 2016 by Vincent Licup, who has 30 years of experience in the automotive dealership business. The AutoSpeedyGo has 14 dealers across six global brands, including Chery, Chevrolet, Foton, Geely, MG, and Nissan – located in the northern part of the National Capital Region and two major municipalities of Bulacan and Pasig City. JAPI’s management team is headed by its president Yves Licup, vice president Michael Goho, managing director Miguelito Jose (who has three decades of experience in the sector), and marketing director May De Los Santos.
As it further accelerates its marketing push, JAPI has partnered with “Team Kramer” power couple Doug and Cheska Kramer – along with their kids Kendra, Scarlett, and Gavin. The family will be the new faces of the brand, with the collaboration specifically focusing on the seven-seater family SUV, the X70.
“The partnership with Team Kramer marks an exciting new chapter for Jetour. Our line of vehicles offers a unique blend of cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and unparalleled performance. We are confident that Team Kramer will help us bring these vehicles to the forefront of the automotive industry,” said Jetour Auto Philippines Managing Director Lito Jose in a release. “Their ability to inspire and connect with audiences nationwide is unparalleled, and we believe that their influence will help us reach a wider audience.”
For his part, Doug Kramer shared, “We’ve always been on the hunt for an efficient, sporty seven-seater, while being mindful of our budget. The Jetour X70 Plus ticks all these boxes, and the interior looks amazing. We couldn’t be happier with our decision.”
The partnership between Jetour and Team Kramer will include various digital and traditional marketing campaigns, including social media, out-of-home, and print advertisements. Team Kramer will be at the Jetour booth on April 15, Saturday, at 4 p.m.
For more information about Jetour Auto Philippines, follow the brand’s Facebook page (Jetour Auto Philippines).