“China” by name
Hold your horses. Another Chinese brand is again landing on our shores. And it’s not just any brand as it is positioned to carry the name of its motherland everywhere it goes. “Seres” in Greek means “China,” wherein it is a known fact in history that travelers and merchants of the ancient world originated from this country bringing along with them their renowned “silk” wares.
QSJ Motors Philippines officially unveiled the brand in the local market with a three-vehicle lineup.
According to sources, the carmaker is poised to start selling by September with an establishment of its experience center facility and 3S showroom.
Seres Auto was established in 2016 in Santa Clara, California as a manufacturer of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). Since then, it has opened three development and design centers worldwide.
Seres Auto is part of the larger Seres Group which was established in 1986 as a manufacturer of automotive and household appliance components in Chongqing, China.
With a workforce of more than 20,000, Seres has built its reputation on advanced e-powertrain technologies including battery systems, electric drives, and electric controls. It has established partnerships with the likes of mobile phone giant, Huawei, to implement cutting-edge technologies to its vehicles.
Seres’ MF Platform, for example, is a highly flexible vehicle architecture that underpins its vehicles. Not only does it deliver industry-leading safety performance, but it allows the carmaker to roll out a diverse mix of powertrain, chassis, and software technologies across their entire line-up.
In the local market, Seres is offering the Seres 5, Series 5 SF, and the Seres 7.
Seres 5
This is a mid-size five-seater range-extended electric vehicle powered either by a single or dual electric motors. In the rear-wheel drive version, it puts out 266 horsepower and 354 N-m of torque. While, in the all-wheel drive version, it can reach up to 487 horsepower and 664 N-m. A 40-kWh ternary lithium battery helps it cover 158 to 184 kilometers (NEDC standard) before having the 1.5-liter turbo gasoline generator kick in for a range of up to 1,250 kilometers.
Seres 5 SF (Saker Falcon)
Meanwhile, the Saker Falcon carries unique styling elements that makes it stand out. The limited-edition Seres 5 SF comes only in one variant and here, the dual motor setup is good for a combined powerful 584 horsepower and 940 N-m of torque. The 90-kWh lithium iron phosphate battery allows up to 530 kilometers (WLTP standard) of range. It can take off from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.7 seconds, while topping out at 220 km/h.
Seres 7
Last but certainly not the least, the brand is also offering a large three-row sport-ute. Like the Seres 5, this one is a range-extended electric vehicle. Measuring at over 5 meters in length (wheelbase is 2,820 mm), it’s offered in rear- and all-wheel drive configurations. The rear-wheel drive (Comfort) variant produces 266 horsepower and 354 N-m, while the all-wheel drive (Premium) churns out 439 horsepower and 654 N-m.
The same 40-kWh battery allows for anywhere between 162 to 166 kilometers of range. Once the 1.5-liter turbo kicks in, it propels the range to 1,200 kilometers.
For the brand, there are lots in the pipeline.
For one, its flagship showroom is set for next year, while other establishments are targeted to be up by the third quarter of this year.
