IT’S OFFICIAL: Geely’s PH operations are no longer under Sojitz

The Geely brand has been very popular in the Philippines ever since it re-entered the market in 2019, under the distributorship of Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP). The Chinese automaker saw exceptional growth, easily becoming one of the top 10 automakers in the country in terms of sales with its lineup of crossovers–Coolray, Azkarra, Okavango, and GX3 Pro, as well as its lone sedan offering–the Emgrand.

Five years later, a change of guard is happening. As of July 1, 2024, the Geely brand will no longer be handled by SGAP, but now by Geely Automobile International Corporation (GAIC), the brand’s parent company in China under the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.

“We extend our utmost appreciation for the successful experience with Sojitz G Auto Philippines, which has greatly contributed to Geely’s growth in the country. We are thrilled to assume Geely’s operations with continuous focus and passions. By leveraging our global strengths, we will introduce products meeting Filipino consumers’ needs. We commit to a seamless transition and continuing SGAP’s legacy of excellence,” said GAIC in a statement.

This change in management is similar to what happened to the MG brand last year, where its parent company SAIC Motor, took over local operations from the brand’s then distributor The Covenant Car Company, Inc. after five years of operations.

“We are proud of our achievements with Geely. Now that we are handing the business over to GAIC, we are confident in their ability to elevate the brand. We express our most profound gratitude to our valued customers, esteemed dealer partners, and industrious employees and anticipate Geely’s continued success in the Philippines,” said SGAP in a company statement.

While some people and Geely customers may seem skeptical about this development, it might actually be good for the brand. For one thing, this means better access to parts and vehicle supply from China which has been an issue over the past year for the Chinese automaker in the country. 

This could also mean we might see newer products such as the heavily updated versions of the Coolray and Azkarra, or even the much-awaited flagship SUV of the brand–the Monjaro, finally enter our market. The Coolray and Azkarra both have only seen minimal updates since they were introduced in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and have since been overshadowed by rivals offering more standard equipment and more modern technology at more affordable or similar price points.

As to how this change of management will directly affect customers and soon-to-be clients of the brand, Geely assures its customers operations of its existing dealership network around the country will continue unhampered.

These are exciting times for Geely for sure.