New man at UAAGI
Seasoned industry veteran, Franz Decloedt, is the newest addition to the United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. (UAAGI) management team. He replaced Froilan Dytianquin as the new brand head of the company, particularly handling brands Chery and Lynk & Co.
This was formally announced during the company’s Chinese New Year Luncheon at Gloriamaris Greenhills in San Juan recently.
Decloedt has been in the automotive industry for more than a decade now with successful stints as group marketing director for AC Motors (now ACMobility) and Astara Philippines as brand head. For one, he led GAC to exponential growth during its reintroduction into the country. From January to November 2024, GAC recorded a remarkable 79-percent jump in sales, delivering over 3,060 vehicles, cementing the brand as one of the top-performing Chinese car brands in the country.
He first gained valuable experiences with several FMGC (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) companies, such as Universal Robina, Unilever and Coca-Cola prior working in the automotive industry.
Eyeing redemption
With this, Decloedt is expected to do the same and turn the tables around for brands under UAAGI, such as Chery and Lynk & Co.
In 2024, sales of Chery Auto dropped 23 percent, particularly putting the blame on the absence of new model introductions and delayed dealer openings.
For this 2025, however, Chery is eyeing to open eight more dealerships from a number of 23 to 31 total dealerships by year-end. Locations for these are as follows: Albay, Batangas, Cabanatuan, Dagupan, Ilocos, Lipa, Santa Rosa, and Tarlac.
Moreover, the Chinese brand is targeting to introduce three new vehicles in the second and third quarters of 2025: a new electrified five-seater sport utility vehicle, a new seven-seater mid-sized electric vehicle, and a new seven-seater multipurpose vehicle.
In addition, the other brands under UAAGI are likewise aiming to make 2025 more exciting. Foton will soon be coming out with the new Traveller Sierra, offered in both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) models. Lynk & Co. will be launching the 02 subcompact crossover this year. While BAIC is said to be unveiling an electrified full-sized SUV.
