Technology-driven, practical and value-packed vehicles
The dramatic influx of Chinese vehicles in the local market can be described as nothing short but phenomenal.
From just a minute share of the market several years ago to growing rapidly these recent years.
In fact, according to reports, in the South East Asian region, sales of Chinese-branded vehicles in four main markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines, rose by over 58 percent to 67,558 units in the first quarter of 2025 compared with 43,646 units in the same period last year.
Here in the country, sales of these cars grew by about 40 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
As we all know, China is the world’s largest producer of hybrid and electric vehicles. Other than government incentives and other perks, these electrified vehicles have a lot more to offer.
Take, for example, Jetour Auto Philippines, Inc’s (JAPI) latest offering in the market, the Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM.
“This model represents our commitment to making advanced electrified mobility more accessible to Filipino families” shared JAPI managing director, Miguelito Jose.
Moreover, he said that with its intelligent hybrid technology, exceptional efficiency, and highly competitive pricing, the T1 Lightning i-DM delivers unmatched value without compromising performance, comfort, or innovation.
“Our goal is to empower more drivers to transition to smarter and more sustainable mobility and the T1 Lightning i-DM is a major step toward that future,” he added.
Tried and proven
Members of the motoring media were even able to try out how great the vehicle was in a recent two-day media drive from the flagship Jetour Auto Quezon Avenue showroom to ACEA Subic Beach Resort in Zambales.
The activity allowed the media to immerse themselves and personally feel the prowess of the T1 Lightning i-DM’s real-world performance.
For one, one feature that impressed the participants was the seamless combination of electric mobility and hybrid adaptability.
With a pure electric driving range of up to 120 km and a total combined range of up to 1,200 km, the vehicle delivers remarkable fuel savings, flexible long-distance capability, and a reduced carbon footprint for daily use.
The drive likewise highlighted its intelligent systems, as well as other bells and whistles.
Under its hood is the Intelligent Dual-Motor (i-DM) Hybrid Power System, a true testament to Jetour’s advanced engineering. Its sophisticated hybrid powertrain combines a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, which generates 140hp and 215 N-m of torque with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that adds 150kw of power and 310 N-m of torque, all managed by a DHT hybrid-dedicated gearbox. This powerhouse is built on an ultra-safe cage body structure with integrated laser tailoring.
Because of this, there is intelligent power distribution for optimal efficiency; not to mention smooth transitions between EV, hybrid, and engine drive modes; regenerative braking for energy recapture and extended driving range.
Other smart driving and safety features include: advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), consisting of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, 360-degree HD surround view camera, blindspot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.
Moreover, the Jetour T1 Lightning i-DM sports the following :intelligent multi-function screen cockpit with high-resolution displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multi-mode ambient interior lighting, panoramic sunroof, fast-charging capability for the onboard battery, advanced climate control with PM2.5 air filtration system, and many others.
Compared to other more established models in the Philippine market, the vehicle is priced very competitively at P1,898,000, with even a special introductory price of only P1,798,000 for a limited time.
Whats more is that the vehicle even comes with a six-year general warranty or up to 1,000,000 km, eight-year battery warranty and a 10-year engine warranty.
The media drive concluded with the participants awe-inspired with what they have experienced during the two-day event.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to our media partners for joining us and experiencing the capabilities of the T1 Lightning i-DM firsthand,” the Chinese carmaker said in statement.
“This drive demonstrates our mission to provide technology-driven, practical, and value-packed vehicles that meet the evolving needs of modern Filipino drivers.”
