China-made cars hit Cebu market

Optimistic to provide an alternative for car buyers that will lessen the rampant problem on used car smuggling here in Cebu, a new car brand from China is set to kick off its operation in the area with a new showroom in Mandaue City.

Brought by authorized sales and service shop Visayas Second Row Corporation, Chery cars will soon be out in the Cebu market to provide Cebuanos with affordable yet top quality cars, the company’s managing director Raymund Basubas told The Freeman in an interview.

Chery (pronounced as “Qirui”) cars are manufactured in China under independent car company Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. established in 1997 by five state-owned investment companies of the local government of Wuhu in China’s Anhui province. It was the country’s first totally Chinese owned and managed company.

But despite the social stigma of “China made” products in the market, Basubas underscored his confidence in the brand as the company has been considered the biggest China car manufacturer to date and was distinguished by Fortune Publications as the fourth most admirable Chinese company in the world.

“It was a big risk for us but we have so much confidence in the brand and with their products despite the negative stigma of China made products because we have the support from the Philippine distributor as well as the Chinese manufacturers,” said Basubas about their investment.

Eyeing so much growth potential for Chery here in Cebu, Basubas is determined to tap the segment of the A, B, C, down to D and E markets that will mostly consist of new car buyers.

Chery produces ten vehicle models: Eastar, Cowin, Tiggo3, A5, V5, QQ3, QQ6, Karry, Riich2 and A1. Basubas said that they will be carrying five different units and will also promote LPG ready units for taxi operation here in the city.

“We are offering a better alternative to second hand and surplus cars. So instead of buying brand new smuggled vehicles, why not Chery? In which they can be assured of the warranty and after sales service,” he pointed out.

Chery’s showroom in Mandaue is slated to be officially launched this March 17 and Basubas shared that this early, he has already been receiving various inquiries and interests from car enthusiasts and buyers not only from Cebu but from neighboring islands.