The local premium car market is about to gain a competitor: China’s famed Hongqi is arriving in the Philippines. The brand will be brought in by EVOxTerra as its official distributor. Here’s everything you need to know.

Hongqi prides itself as being China’s oldest luxury car brand. Its prestige stems back from its founding in 1958 and has had an illustrious history since then. Used as the vehicle of choice by politicians, high-ranking officials, celebrities, influential business leaders, and even the President of China, it positions itself at the forefront of the industry.

“We are extremely proud to bring this legendary car marque to the Philippines and let Filipinos finally experience for themselves the many reasons why Hongqi remains such
an enduring international brand,” said Rashid Delgado, President of EVOxTerra, at the recent press conference held in TDG In.Hub in Taguig.

This isn’t the first time Hongqi is making an appearance in the Philippines though. The brand made an appearance at the last EV Summit held in October of last year. At the event, the Hongqi E-HS9 luxury 7-seater EV was revealed to the public. The breakneck SUV features bold styling that appears to be an elegant combination of various inspirations. Some may say that the grille has a BMW aura to it, a splash of Range Rover here and there, while other spectators likened the vehicle to a Rolls Royce.

Inside, you have displays that extend all the way to the corner as well as various premium materials. All touch points are undeniably plush – although we’ll have to get an actual ride first to test its refinement.

Three models were displayed, with some configurations seating six while some seat seven. The main difference is the second row since one of the variants had captain’s seats. Also, the colors were varied, from a cleaner white, racier red, and minimalistic grey. The upholstery material can also either be full-grain leather, suede, or others. Whichever one we sat in made us feel quite kingly and regal. It’s surely a nice place to be.

This model starts at PHP 4.980M.

Also shown off at the event is the latest Hongqi H5 sedan. It was teased to be priced well below PHP 3M. Based on the current models offered, it’s the smallest one of the bunch, although it definitely doesn’t feel like it inside the cabin.

There is no doubt that it feels very Cadillac-esque on the interior. These styling cues, matched with the large high-tech displays give off a grand tourer feel.

Hongqi claims that it will bring two types of models to the Philippines: New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Either way, both are geared towards environmentally-sustainable models and mindsets. Oh, and the EVs come with an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty to ease your worries.

“We are very excited to finally enter the Philippine market and give Filipino car enthusiasts the Hongqi brand of utmost luxury, state-of-the-art design, and topnotch performance,” said FAW Hongqi Oversees General Manager, Mr. Wang Zuoquan.

Curious? Hongqi Philippines is opening a showroom soon in BGC – so make sure to pay a visit!