Omoda & Jaecoo Finally Launches in the Philippines – CleanTechnica

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Last Updated on: 23rd February 2025, 06:55 pm

Omoda & Jaecoo will probably never reach the US, but they will be everywhere else for sure.

“Finally.” That was the feeling when Omoda & Jaecoo, an old “newcomer” to the Philippine automotive scene, officially launched its operations and first models in the country at a posh venue in Manila last week.

Finally, because for the past two years, the brand has been teasing the local market, appearing at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), the 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit (PEVS), and the Auto Focus Pre-Christmas Multi-Brand Test Drive Festival. Yes, they actually had cars on hand to test drive even before the launch!

For two years, they drove cars around on a tow truck at night to encourage spy shots and social media presence, showed off the cars at the country’s biggest malls, secretly established a nationwide dealer network, and teamed up with key local bank and logistics partners. The February 18 launch was melodramatic, but still very anticipated.

Art in Motion

The launch event showcased the brand’s focus on design, technology, and a diverse range of powertrain options, including internal combustion engine (ICE), electric vehicle (EV), and hybrid models.

The launch featured the unveiling of the Omoda C5 crossover, offered in both ICE and EV versions, reflecting the brand’s “Art in Motion” philosophy, which emphasizes style and innovation. The fully electric Omoda E5 crossover was also introduced, representing Omoda’s commitment to sustainable mobility. For those seeking adventure, Jaecoo presented the rugged, all-electric Jaecoo EJ6 SUV, designed for off-road exploration.

“After Malaysia and Indonesia, where we have set up production facilities, the Philippines is the fifth Southeast Asian market to welcome Omoda & Jaecoo,” Marco Chen, O&J Philippines Country Head, told CleanTechnica at a test drive event in the Batangas Racing Circuit, located south of Manila. “We are happy we are finally here.”

“Since first entering the market in 2023, we’ve seen a strong demand for vehicles that combine sleek style with smart technology. Now, Filipino drivers can finally get behind the wheel of our models, designed for both city streets and adventure trails,” Chen added.

“With the warm reception that the Omoda C5 and Omoda E5 received even before our official launch, we were inspired to roll out a promo for our Filipino buyers. This way, more Filipinos can experience premium automotive innovation firsthand,” Shawn Xu, CEO of Omoda & Jaecoo Global, said as he announced special promotional prices on the C5 and E5, good until June 30.

And in its tradition of teasing the market, Jaecoo also previewed its upcoming hybrid SUV, the J7 SHS, which is engineered with a Super Hybrid System and boasts extended range, reduced emissions, and top-tier battery safety.

The launch event served not only as a platform to showcase the vehicles themselves, but also to emphasize the lifestyle associated with the brands. The cars were presented in a dynamic, fashion-forward manner, highlighting their appeal to modern Filipino drivers. A camping activation underscored the EJ6’s off-road capabilities, while a light show powered by the EJ6 demonstrated the vehicle’s unique features.

Omoda & Jaecoo: The Brand Behind the Vehicles

Omoda and Jaecoo are two separate brands that are never apart, or at least that’s how it seems.

The cars are made by Chery International, now China’s fourth-largest car brand, which made about 2.6 million vehicles last year. Chery, which has its own extensive line of vehicles, has several other brands under its wing — Jetour, for SUV lovers, campers, and overlanders; Exeed (that is not a misspelling), which is their version of Lexus; iCar, focused exclusively on electric mobility; and then there is O&J — for the international market.

How big is O&J? Annual sales hit 248,605 units last year, a year-on-year increase of 54%. The brand’s monthly sales consistently exceeded 20,000 units for eight consecutive months. In December, sales reached 23,560 units, a 72% increase compared to the previous year. It is present in 33 countries and regions and has a customer base of 410,136.

Omoda & Jaecoo made its European debut in February with the launch of the Omoda C5 in Spain, followed by the establishment of its first European factory in Barcelona. Expansion into other European markets, including Poland, Italy, the UK, and Hungary, followed.

In Southeast Asia, Omoda & Jaecoo established advanced production bases in Malaysia and Indonesia. In September, the first batch of Indonesian-produced Omoda 5 vehicles were re-exported to Vietnam, and now to the Philippines.

Last December, it set up its largest warehouse and logistics center for Chinese car brands in the Middle East to create a comprehensive parts distribution network spanning five major regions worldwide.

Electric Vehicles: The C5 and EJ6

*The Omoda C5 at the outdoor display just before the launch. (Photo by author)*

The Omoda C5, available with both conventional gasoline and fully electric powertrains, is designed to appeal to the modern, urban driver who values style, technology, and efficiency. Early reviews suggest that the C5 delivers on its promise of style, with its futuristic “Cross F Future” design language, sharp lines, and bold grille turning heads on city streets. The interior is equally modern, featuring a minimalist dashboard dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system.

On the road, the C5 offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. The gasoline version, with its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, provides ample power for daily commutes and occasional highway driving. The electric version, the E5, boasts a range of up to 442 kilometers on a single charge, making it a viable option for those embracing electric mobility.

The O&J EJ6 at a recent test drive event. (Photo by author)

Moving on to the Jaecoo EJ6, this all-electric SUV targets adventure-seekers and those who desire a vehicle that can handle both city streets and off-road trails. This all-electric SUV boasts a rugged design, a powerful electric motor, and advanced all-wheel-drive capabilities.

I drove the EJ6 and I can say that it is a capable off-roader. Its electric motor delivers instant torque, providing ample power for tackling steep inclines and challenging terrain. The advanced all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction, even on loose surfaces.

On paved roads, the EJ6 offers a comfortable and quiet ride. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with a focus on practicality and functionality. In the Philippine setting, the estimated around 420 kilometers driving range is more than enough.

To wrap up, here’s pricing on these new models:

EJ6