Jetour hits its mark
There is a popular saying attributed to the Chinese that every problem is an opportunity.
Although linguistic scholars say the more accurate translation is “a crisis is a turning point”, either idea has been true for Jetour, the Chinese manufacturer of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) that has been in the Philippines for less than four years.
Miguelito L. Jose, managing director of Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc. (JAPI), recalled just modest sales since the company’s launch in 2023 and the unexpected boom this year following American President Donald Trump’s rash decision to attack Iran.
The military conflict restricted the flow of ships carrying oil from the Middle East to markets across the world, including the Philippines, as navigation along the Strait of Hormuz was tightly restricted by Iran, also a major oil exporter.
As most of the world faced shortages in oil and the consequent spike in gas and related products prices, consumers sought alternatives that would keep them mobile but less dependent on fossil fuels.
Jose recalled that, following the Middle East conflict that broke out in February, their inventory for four months was sold out in just a month. There were about two months when the local company had no car to deliver and customers had to be waitlisted. (Jetour cars arrive from China fully assembled.)
With an almost all-PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) models in its catalog, Jetour, which started selling the energy-efficient models in 2024 offered a viable and more affordable alternative to Filipinos. It helped, of course, that Jetour now offers only SUVs, a practical transport for the country’s flood-prone and poorly-maintained roads.
The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) has formally certified Jetour as the top selling brand of PHEV in the country in the first half of the current year.
A member of the UAAGI (United Asia Automotive Group, Inc.) family, Jetour officially generated the highest sales figures for PHEV in the country.
Jose said the recognition was “a testament to the hard work of our team, the strength of our product lineup and the loyalty of our customers”. UAAGI chair Rommel Sytin said, “This achievement is not just a sales record – it is proof that Filipino consumers recognize the value, quality and innovation built into every Jetour vehicle.”
Jose attributed the growing trust of Filipino consumers in their brand to an efficient and reliable after-sale service that ensured vehicles were repaired or maintained in a matter of days. And the service is available and offered in every UAAGI member company.
Moreover, most spare parts are readily available. Jose said the Chinese mother company required the local subsidiary to have about a million pieces of the most commonly required spare parts on hand at all times to minimize and/or shorten waiting periods.
The spare parts are distributed not only to Jetour dealers around the country but to every member of the UAAGI family. Jose said Jetour vehicles could be brought to any UAAGI member, like Foton, for servicing if there were no dealerships of the SUVs nearby.
Recharging facilities are also available in UAAGI members dealerships throughout the country.
Although the technology used in every new model is often just a slight variation from that employed in earlier vehicles, Jetour technicians are still required to undergo training and refresher courses under experts from the mother company to ensure their work is up to par, much like pilots undergoing training and retraining when assigned to fly a different type of plane.
Jose explained how Jetour’s PHEV was different from other hybrid automobile types. He said PHEV was a more practical and convenient option for consumers, as the battery could be recharged even at home through household electrical setups as long as the right plug was used and proper grounding was ensured.
He declared “the most effective hybrid is the plug-in hybrid”. While charging would be slower using conventional household fixtures, car owners have the luxury of being able to sleep while their Jetour PHEV batteries are recharged for 10-12 hours in their own garages.
Recharging at home, Jose added, did not require the installation or addition of any new gadget or device. As long as a household has the appropriate and safe electrical setup, PHEV recharging is possible.
As Jetour celebrates the distinction CAMPI has bestowed on it, Jose said the company “remains committed to bringing the best electrified mobility solutions to the Filipino market, ensuring that every Jetour owner enjoys world-class products and an ownership experience that exceeds expectations”.
Sytin said the honor would inspire them “to keep raising the bar, expanding our reach and delivering excellence in every aspect of our operations”.
Marvin Martinez, an engineer who leads the company’s dealer network development, said the company’s goal was to build a network “that is as accessible as it is capable. Every dealership we establish is designed to deliver the full Jetour experience – premium showrooms, modern service bays and a team trained to serve our customers with professionalism and care”.
Martinez and his team are responsible for ensuring that each new dealership offers customers the full 3S experience – sales, service, spare parts.
At present, the company has about 0.8-0.9 percent share of the electrified vehicles (EV) market.
Jose said, with EVs projected to get a 26-27 percent share of the local automobile market by 2040, Jetour’s goal was to get at least a one percent slice of that sector.
With Jetour PHEV’s outstanding performance and features – including amenities usually found only in luxury vehicles, like the use of leather and wood in the interiors, and blanket air bags – Jose assured prospective clients they would get value for their money with every purchase of their automobiles.
