Hats off to Ford Territory, which is celebrating its second year in the local automotive industry.  So far, it has sold 5,000 units, cornering a 56-percent share of its market segment. Early this year, sales reached 10,000.  It brings pride to the American carmaker.

This US vehicle, however, reminds me how well the Chinese are doing with it.

First of all, this vehicle is a joint partnership between Ford Motor Company and Jiangling Motors Corporation, a state-owned holding established in 1947, headquartered in Nanchang, Jiangxi China.

Its predecessor was JMC's own compact SUV, Yusheng S330. And if you look at the two vehicles closely, they have many similarities. At its launch in 2020, I was astonished, if not flabbergasted by the vehicle when I first saw it in person. That time, the economy and businesses were still being crippled by strict quarantine measures and safety protocols due to the height of the global pandemic and launch organizers only allowed us limited time with the vehicle.

It was also around that time that China and the United States were at odds with each other, with then US President Donald Trump initiating the "jabs."

In the middle of it all, the Ford Territory was introduced to the local market at a preposterous price point. The Philippines got first dibs among the American carmaker's International Market Group, composed of nearly 100 markets around the world. For me, it was the best thing that has ever rolled out from the company and unto our local roads in recent memory.

Aside from its affordable price, what caught my eye were its stupendous features. It combines a sleek and stylish look, impressive performance, and smart and safe technologies in an SUV. According to testimonials from actual owners, they raved about its commanding presence on the road, as well as proven performance that balances power and fuel efficiency. Not only those but its smart, safe and convenience technologies have also been regarded as the owners' favorite features, particularly those that belong to the Ford Territory Club Philippines, a community of Ford Territory owners and enthusiasts whose membership has now reached over 22,000. From the launch two years back up to this point, it has not disappointed this writer. Indeed, it has proven its mettle.