Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP), the company that brought back the China car brand Geely into the country, is aggressively expanding its presence targeting a total of 14 outlets by next year and a total distributorship network of 28 in the next three years.
This was announced by SGAP President & CEO Mikihisa Takayama at today’s launch of Geely Okavango, a 7-seater sports utility and multipurpose vehicle crossover that the company expects to become a gamer changer in this popular vehicle segment.
From its current four outlets, Takayama said, they are constructing 10 more outlets for completion by end March next year. Another 14 outlets are set for completion till end of 2021 for a total network of 28 over a three-year period of Geely Philippines operation in the country under SGAP.
The aggressive expansion in its dealership network will support the company’s drive to launch one car model every semester. Okavango was the third model launched in the country, the first two being Coolray and Azkara.
SGAP General Manager for Sales Froilan Dytianquin said they are targeting monthly sales of 300 to 400 units for Akovango, the latest crossover to hit the Philippines where sales have been substantially reduced due to the COVID-19.
Dytianquin cited the Okavango as being the most spacious crossover in its segment with more room for cargo and sports equipment. It being marketed for family use and even for sporty bachelors engaged in outdoor sports, tagging along gears such as mountain bike as the vehicle has functioning roof rail to hold cargo.
While acknowledging the market segment that is dominated by Toyota’s best-selling Innova, Dytianquin said they hope Okavango to take a slice of Toyota’s share.
According to Takayama, Geely Okavango is a good follow up to its successful launch of Coolray and Azkarra. “We are confident that the new Geely Okavango will be a game changer in the industry as it combines the best qualities of a multi-purpose vehicle and an SUV, into one exciting 7-seater mid-size crossover. This crossover promises to give you a luxurious, uncompromising, and ‘Wonderfully Distinct’ ride,” he said.
The name Okavango came from the North-western Botswana’s vast inland delta, Okavango Delta. UNESCO has recognized the Okavango Delta as its 1,000th World Heritage Site and was also declared as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa. The Okavango is aptly named after the Okavango River Delta in Africa, a vast and pulsating wetland which converges and diverges with a unique ecosystem and a myriad of species.
Aside from space, Geely Okavango boasts of distinct features in terms of technology, design, power, and safety to elevate the driving experience. Travels will be a lot easier and comfortable with the Okavango’s vast interior where adults can seat comfortably in all three rows, not to mention the 19-seat configurations, 42 storage nooks, and compartments including a double-layer console. The Okavango is also equipped with a triple-zone airconditioning system with CN95 filter, allowing the driver, front passenger and rear passengers their select their own desired temperature setting for a relaxing ride.
It is also powered by 1.5L Turbo engine that was jointly developed by Geely and Volvo that perfectly matches with a 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission. Plus, all Okavango units are equipped with 48V Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) technology. With the integration of the 48V EMS, the Okavango’s power is rated at 190 hp and provides 300Nm of torque.
Safety will never be an issue with the Geely Okavango. Its 6 SRS Airbags, 360-degree panoramic camera with a best-in-class guidance system and dynamic auxiliary lines, overspeed warning, electronic stability control, hill start assist, central locking with speed-sensing auto lock, and hill descent control will assure any driver and passenger’s peace of mind.
The Okavango is priced at P1,208,000 for the Comfort variant and P1,328,000 for the Urban variant.
“It has been a challenging year for all of us particularly in the automotive businesses. However, I believe that the introduction of our affordable 7-seater crossover just came in the right time, as we expect new vehicle demand to recover in the coming months, particularly on core segments such as sub-compact cars, MPVs, and SUVs.”, Takayama said.
One of China’s most successful automotive firms, Geely has been around since 1986. But back then, Geely was a refrigerator maker. Founded by Li Shufu, with financial help from his father, he forged Geely into its current status as a manufacturer of quality and inexpensive cars, targeted to the Chinese masses.
As a politically-independent automotive manufacturing privateer, Geely remained as the only automotive firm in China that has no ties with the country’s state government, allowing it to grow more rapidly on a global scale.
The ‘90s saw its success as a motorcycle and small van manufacturer, and in 1998, it was finally granted an approval by the state government to manufacture and develop a competitive line of automobiles.
Global expansion was its next mission, and sure enough, after making ties with Volvo in Europe, its closest Asian neighbor was one of its first destinations. Here in the Philippines, Geely entered in 2011 when Geely automobiles were distributed and almost instantaneously managed to gain a stable stepping stone into the highly competitive Philippine automotive industry. The company left the shores midway through the decade, unfortunately, but now has returned under new distributorship and more premium automakers under its belt.
Meantime, Sojitz G Auto Philippines is the new member of the growing family of the Sojitz Corporation which have been active in the Philippine Auto Industry since the 1960s. The company commands local distributorships such as Fuso Trucks under Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation and a number of distributorships worldwide.