Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) has officially dropped the Geely brand. Despite ceasing being the Chinese brand’s official distributor of vehicles and parts since July 1, they only made the official announcement (posted on their official website) last Friday, July 19, 2024.
Geely in the Philippines will be taken over by Geely Automotive International Corporation (GAIC). GAIC is a national sales office operation with direct links to the Geely Holding Group in China. It’s reported that William Wan, currently the regional sales director of GAIC, will serve as GAIC Philippines president.
During the transitionary period, both SGAP and GAIC says that current dealers will remain in operation to provide both sales and aftersales support to customers. However, they have announced new contact center details:
- Email: customercare.ph [at] geely.com
- Phone: +6 917 141 6688, +63 917 151 6688, +63 917 161 6688
The late announcement of SGAP’s turnover of the Geely brand to GAIC is the latest in a series of PR blunders. In 2023, Geely admitted to service lapses only after customer service complaints went viral on social media. The negative publicity and subsequent weakening sales led to the closure of several Geely dealerships in the country including SGAP’s very own Geely Makati dealership.
In mid-2023, SGAP tried reshuffling its management team bringing in two industry veterans to revitalize their brand. Unfortunately, despite the launch of their most-affordable offering, the GX3 Pro, they’ve never reached the same level of success as they did prior to their service woes with sales remaining flat.
While the writing’s been on the wall for some time, it seems SGAP was taken aback by the timing. They previewed the Geometry C EV SUV early in 2024 and vowed changes to their operations to improve the customer experience. Little did they know that change would be their removal as the country’s Geely distributor. It also shows SGAP’s continued lack of customer initiative and transparency.
Coinciding with SGAP’s turnover of the Geely brand’s distributorship to GAIC, SGAP has also decided to close their flagship dealership, Geely North EDSA.
Sojitz Corporation is a general trading company that has been involved in the Philippine auto industry since the 1960s. For a time, Sojitz had a 49 percent stake in Mitsubishi Motors Philippines before they divested completely in 2018. Sojitz, as Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corporation, remains the exclusive distributor of Fuso trucks and buses in the country.
In the next couple of months, GAIC will revitalize the Geely line-up. Among the reported launches planned include the second-generation Coolray and the Starray—the replacement to the Azkarra.
Read the full statement below:
Joint Statement: Geely and Sojitz G Auto Philippines Announce a Directional Shift for the Philippine Market
Sojitz G Auto Philippines (SGAP) and Geely Automotive International Corporation (GAIC) announce the official handover of Geely Philippines’ operations to GAIC, effective July 2024. This transition which started on July 1, underlines our commitment to delivering innovative automotive solutions to Filipino customers.Geely prioritizes exceptional quality and technological innovation to contribute to a sustainable global mobility ecosystem. Since 2019, the collaboration with SGAP has expanded the local automotive sector, fostering industry growth and consumer trust.The partnership with SGAP has been pivotal in introducing and growing the Geely brand in the Philippine market. Widespread consumer adoption reflects the success and camaraderie in our collaboration. Geely and Sojitz G Auto Philippines jointly announce a strategic shift today.
Customer-centricity is paramount for Geely in the Philippines. All Geely dealers will continue to invite customers to experience the brand and provide car purchases and after-sales support. Feedback is welcome at customercare.ph@geely.com. You may also reach us through the following hotlines: 09171416688, 09171516688 or 09171616688. We extend appreciation to customers, partners, and employees for their support.
Geely remains committed to deepening its roots in the Philippine automotive market. Upholding a philosophy of innovation and collaboration, we will offer high-value products to advance the local automotive industry.
Sojitz G Auto Philippines Statement:
“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.”
Geely Automotive International Corporation Statement:
“We extend our utmost appreciation for the successful experience with Sojitz G Auto Philippine, 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.”
This transition underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, high quality, and customer satisfaction. As we embark on this new chapter, we look forward to continuing to serve our customers with the highest standard of products and services and contributing the long-term development of the local auto industry.
This is the main reason why I am not ready to buy a Chinese car. Geely is one of the biggest car brands in China and Sojitz a reputable Japanese distributor. I remember fan boys saying this is a game changer that is why Sojitz dropped Mitsu in favor of Geely. MG and other Chinese cars may face the same fate. That is why I will stick to jap cars for now
ReplyDeleteJust admit that you don't have money to buy a brand new car
DeleteJust stick to your decade old Wigo and Avanza which are Indonesian cars and not Japanese cars
Always the same script coming from Chinese car fanboys. Please update your script, and next time maglagay ka ng bayong sa ulo
DeleteDiba sabi ko dati mag antay tayo ng 5 years at tignan natin saan dadating ang Geely? Oh ito na.
ReplyDeleteIt got better actually.
DeleteDistibutors will be handled directly by GAIC themselves.. no more 3rd parties. Better service, new models coming. Etc..
If you understood the news, Geely will now directly handle the brand here in this Philippines and is letting go of a third party distributor - its the same with SAIC and Hyundai directly taking over from their former third party distributors.
DeleteHopefully this is good news for the brand.
Changan and MG directly manage na here ng chna parent company, di rin nag increased sales figures. Ang hyundae ang tumaas sales
DeleteTo the Geely defenders:
DeleteHow sure are you guys that Geely will improve if directly handled by GAIC? As it stands, its future is still questionable at best. Marami na nangyari ganyan, palit ng distributors, blah blah blah, palpak pa rin naman. The fact that these chinese car manufacturers frequently change their distributors is a huge RED FLAG in itself.
Maybe your mind is still clouded - GAIC is not a distributor- they own geely. GAIC will totally take over geely cars in the phils. Not any other third party distributors.
DeleteIts a direct owner management.
Blah blah blah, ganyan talaga sa umpisa, daming marketing speils, puro hopeful and positive statements, new distributor/management, etc. In the end, these are still just empty promises.
DeleteLet's see what will happen again in another 5 years. But for now, it's wise to stay away from Chinese cars, unless you have the necessary patience and the money to burn. hahaha
Puro ka negativity eh hanggang decade old na Wigo,Vios at Avanza lang ang mga kotse mo 🤣
DeleteGAiC is very serious about its business in the Philippines and its got way more money than Bermaz,TCIL and other local automobile distributors
See you again in 5 years. 🫡
DeleteI bet my left nut something will be f’d up again.
Obviously, Geely is a global player and would not take such distributor-level shenanigans lightly. I wish the principals good luck in rebuilding the brand.
ReplyDeleteCarlos Ghosn forced Sojitz Philippines to divest it stake in Mitsubishi Motors PH when the parent company, Mitsubishi Motors Japan, was taken over by Nissan.
ReplyDeleteHowever they spin it, Chinese car brands are like hot potatoes. They keep on changing hands from one dealer to another. Even it the mother ship rescues Geely, it is already in a sad state that like other Chinese car brands they need to somehow restart again instead of moving forward. That is why even if people doesn't like the DNGA, ancient mirage, matagtag na PPVs and other inferior cars. The sales of these vehicles just keep on rising thanks to the Chinese who constantly screw it up.
ReplyDeletePeople are still gonna buy Chinese vehicles as they want something different
DeleteNot all peop
*misinformed/clueless people
DeleteYeah stupid ppl will buy chinese cars. Philippines has no shortage of stupid ppl so they have a market here
DeleteWith how chinese treatment of filipinos at wps There will be backlash in chinese made goods as a filipino i will never buy byd or geely, i give them 5 years the most the hurt and mistrust is irreversible. Good bye
ReplyDeleteWala ka lang pambili bro 🤣
DeletePalit na script. Puro wlang pambili linya mo. Baka ebike lang kaya mo
DeleteGAIC is factory and main office backed which is great news
ReplyDeleteThe two previous Japanese presidents of Geely Sojitz ruined the brand by increasing the prices of Geely vehicles and poorly marketing it
GAIC will be introducing the new Okavango,Coolray and Starry this year.
Geometry C and Geometry E EVs are likely be available too in the Philippine market together with the Galaxy EV line and Riddara pickup EV
Ganyan talaga, sa umpisa lang magaling. Ganito din nangyari dati sa Geely, maganda sa umpisa lang.
Delete