There’s no better proof of the bright future of electric vehicles in the Philippines than the entry of yet another brand seeking to offer products in the growing segment.
FAW Hongqi (pronounced “hong-chi”) is set to debut in the country after appointing EVOxTerra as its official distributor in the Philippines. Hongqi hopes to initially offer four models in the country, composed of a mix of fully electric and internal combustion vehicles. We know that two of those are the fully electric E-HS9 seven-seater large luxury electric SUV, and the H5 executive sedan powered by a turbocharged gasoline engine.
Hongqi was established in 1958 and is one of China's most prestigious luxury passenger car brands. Its line of limousines and SUVs continue are the vehicle of choice for use by high-ranking government officials and visiting heads of state as well as influential heads of industries, prominent business personalities, and opulent celebrities.
E-HS9 electric SUV
Some may already recognize the E-HS9, which made its first appearance in the Philippines at the 10th Philippine Electric Vehicle (EV) Summit held in October last year. It is a three-row, seven-seater, full-size luxury electric SUV.
It features a distinctive grille in front and a long, imposing hood. On either side are double headlights with separate LED daytime running lights and stacked LED headlights under. Behind are full-width LED taillights that wraparound the corners.
Inside, it boasts of a full leather cabin with LED ambient lighting. The seats feature a mix of felt for the bottom half and quilted leather on top, featuring airline-like butterfly-style headrests. The driver gets a massive digital display that consists of an instrument panel and multi-info screen. For entertainment, there’s a larger touchscreen in the center, along with digital automatic climate controls. As expected, the seats also have built-in heating, cooling, and massage functions.
The all-electric luxury SUV comes with either a single or dual-motor setup that can produce anywhere from 430 Ps to 552 Ps. Hongqi claims that the E-HS9 can travel up to 480 km on a single charge.
The E-HS9 will start at a suggested retail price of P4.980 million, which already integrates the provisions of Executive Order 12 that further reduces tariffs for electric vehicles. More details about the electric luxury SUV will be revealed soon once the automaker officially launches it to the public.
H5 sedan
Like the E-HS9, the H5 also boasts of imposing design and all LED lighting. Inside, the dashboard features a wide LED screen for the driver, and a vertical screen for the infotainment. There is plush terracotta leather integrated into the dashboard. The leather seats also feature massage functions.
Powering it is a choice of a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter turbo, paired to either a seven-speed or eight-speed automatic. The price for this vehicle has yet to be announced but will be somewhere between P2.1 million to P2.6 million depending on the variant.
*From left: Rashid Delgado, EVOxTerra president; Robert Shaw, EVOxTerra VP and general manager; and Derrick Tolentino, EVOxTerra.*
“We are extremely proud to bring this legendary car marque to the Philippines and let Filipinos finally experience for themselves the many reasons why Hongqi remains such an enduring international brand,” said Rashid Delgado, President of EVOxTerra.
Delgado added that the partnership with Hongqi is further proof of EVOxTerra’s commitment to promoting sustainability that brings forth progressive brands firmly entrenched in the future of mobility.
“We are very excited to finally enter the Philippine market and give Filipino car enthusiasts the Hongqi brand of utmost luxury, state-of-the-art design, and topnotch performance,” said FAW Hongqi Oversees General Manager, Mr. Wang Zuoquan.
“With the country well on its way to recovery from the pandemic, we think this is an excellent time to further expand Hongqi’s global footprint,” said Robert Shaw, EVOxTerra Vice President and General Manager.
Hongqi will soon open their first showroom in BGC where its upcoming models will be displayed.