It’s an exciting time for the local automotive industry this year as more brands have established their footprint here on our shores. Across the SMX Convention Center and World Trade Center venues, here’s the lowdown from the 2024 Manila International Auto Show on new car brands and models that are now in the market or are set to be launched within the year.

Lynk & Co

Undoubtedly one of the more interesting brands to come to the Philippines this year, Lynk & Co is the offspring of a collaboration between Geely and Volvo, with much of the brand’s design DNA coming from the latter. The cars are both satisfyingly distinct in design and engineering and come with interiors that are to marvel at. In a private preview event held recently, the brand announced that it would start selling the 06 PHEV and 01 crossover here. During MIAS, it launched the 05 fastback crossover and displayed the 03+ performance sedan, which the brand says can be had on a per-order basis. 

BAIC

The latest brand to be distributed by the UAAGI group, BAIC is the mother brand of Foton, and produces a number of specialty off-road vehicles and passenger crossovers. MIAS 2024 was the public launch of BAIC Philippines under its new distributor and they displayed five of their latest models, namely the X55 Verve crossover, the X7 Grandeza SUV, the B40 Ragnar off-roader, the B60 Beaumont SUV, and the B80 Wagon. 

Omoda / Jaecoo

The brand has been teasing us with photos of their cars for about a year now, and thankfully they have officially arrived. MIAS 2024 became the launch platform for one of the latest Chinese brands to offer their take on the SUV and crossover. Officially launched were the Omoda 5 crossover and the Jaecoo 7 SUV. Also previewed was the larger Jaecoo 8 SUV which the brand has confirmed will be arriving later this year. 

Hycan

Hycan as a global brand is the product of a joint venture between GAC-Aion and Nio Incorporated with the aim of producing EVs. Locally, Hycan vehicles will be distributed by Transcorp Group, whose background in truck and heavy equipment distribution gives them extensive experience in after-sales servicing, technical support, and parts inventory management. Hycan Philippines is initially offering 3 EVs. The A06 sedan, the V09 luxury minivan, and the Z03 compact crossover.

BAW

EVOxTerra, the group responsible for bringing in the Hongqi, FAW and Bestune brands, also showcased another one of their EV brands, namely BAW. On display were the BAW MPV Cargo EV and BAW Pony mini EV. The MPV Cargo EV is a closed panel van with seating for two and a configurable rear cargo area. The minivan carries a 51-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and pushes out 80-Ps through a single permanent magnetic synchronous motor and has a published range of 300 kilometers. The Pony mini EV meanwhile is a small, tall, and short city car with a 13.7-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and runs a single motor setup pushing just shy of 30-Ps and has a published range of 170 kilometers. 

GWM’s ORA and WEY

This is the brand’s second showing at the Manila International Auto Show, and this year, GWM launched the ORA 03 EV as the centerpiece of its display. The brand also previewed two new-energy vehicles, namely the WEY GaoShan PHEV and the Haval MengLong PHEV. Of the conventionally powered vehicles, the Haval M6 made an appearance and will soon be added to the brand’s roster within the coming months. In addition, the company showcased one of their more interesting vehicles, the Tank 300 off-roader SUV. 

The Tank 300 was launched a few months ago and has quickly become one of its most popular models. The ORA 03 is available in two variants, the ORA 03 400 and the 500, and showcases GWM’s take on the retro-modern concept. The ORA 03 is equipped with an electric motor that generates 169-Ps and 250-Nm of torque. The 400 variant of the ORA 03 has a 48-kWh battery pack and can travel up to 310 kilometers on the WLTP cycle. On the other hand, the 500 variant is equipped with a 63-kWh battery pack and can travel up to 420 kilometers on the WLTP cycle.

JAC

Pronounced as “Jack,” as in a person’s name, the brand is the latest to join Astara Philippines’ portfolio. Together with its Astara stablemates, JAC showcased 5 of its new vehicles. The JS4 is a subcompact crossover, the JS6 falls under the compact crossover category, and the JS8 Pro is the more premium crossover from the brand. Also launched were the T8 Pro and T9 pickups.

JMC 

Together with Peugeot, GAC, and JAC, JMC becomes the fourth brand to join the Astara Philippines lineup. Under new brand head and industry veteran, Arlan Reyes, the brand aims to cover the pickup segment this year. JMC unveiled two pickup models, the Grand Avenue and the facelifted Vigus pickup. The Grand Avenue is a stout looking truck powered by a 2.3 turbodiesel producing around 177-Ps and 450-Nm of torque coupled to an 8-speed ZF automatic. It comes in 4x4 and 4x4 variants, and is packed with tech-forward assist and safety features. The Vigus meanwhile is positioned as a more value-rich model good for price conscious buyers who need the convenience of a pickup truck. The Vigus utilizes a 4D25 2.5-litre turbodiesel with 130-Ps and 315-Nm or torque while also being offered in 4x2 and 4x4 variants.

Seres

Another all-EV marque from China comes by way QSJ Motors Philippines. The Seres offers a more premium EV ownership by way of their crossovers and MPV. The Seres 5 is a compact crossover that comes in BEV,EREV, and SF EV versions. It’s a handsome looking crossover with styling reminiscent of a German automobile brand and has a well-appointed interior. The BEV has an 80-kWh battery and a claimed range of 530 kilometers. The EREV version is a range-extended EV with a 40-kWh battery and a claimed range of 160 kilometers. A 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine serves as a generator and can extend the range to 1000 kilometers on a full tank. The Seres 5 SF EV is the dual motor all-wheel drive performance version which has a claimed torque rating of 940-Nm of torque and a 0-100 kmh sprint of 3.7 seconds. The Seres 7 meanwhile, is a premium 7-seater MPV that boasts of rich comfort by utilizing what the brand calls a “gravity seat.” The MPV has a claimed range of 1100 kilometers using a range-extender turbopetrol.