Once considered the pariahs of the local car industry, Chinese car manufacturers have exploded in popularity over the last two decades.

Gone are the days of copycat designs, shoddy build quality and interiors that were havens for glue-sniffers – the People’s Republic has won Filipinos over with its originality, attention to detail and unbeatable value for money. This is down to the country’s relentless drive to streamline production processes and stay at the forefront of vehicle technology.

And among those at the forefront of this is the United Asia Automotive Group Inc. (UAAGI), helmed by the highly capable Rommel Sytin – his group officially handles Chery, Foton, BAIC, and Lynk & Co in the Philippines.

Indeed, the latest figures from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines show that from January to November 2024, two UAAGI brands made it into the top 15. These include Foton with 3,170 units (Rank 11) and Chery with 2,639 units (Rank 13).

And let’s not forget – China is one of the global leaders in electric-vehicle (EV) production, with many of UAAGI’s products already embracing this trend. This means the firm is perfectly positioned to make the most of the Philippines’ electric revolution.

We take a look at how UAAGI’s brands would fare in the Year of the Wood Snake.

Foton

As a testament to the lasting appeal of Chinese automakers in the Philippines, Foton Motor Philippines Inc. (FMPI) celebrated its 18th anniversary last year.

Despite facing a multitude of challenges throughout nearly two decades, FMPI became UAAGI’s top-selling Chinese brand not only because of skillful management, but also because of its attractively priced models. Indeed, the company has gone beyond just offering commercial vehicles by entering the electrified space with its Tunland Diesel Hybrid pick-up truck.

FMPI also invested P1.2 billion for its assembly plant in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, providing jobs to over 700 Filipinos and producing over 12,000 vehicles a year. And with plans to expand its national dealer network, Foton is poised to have an even stronger 2025.