Changan is one of the emerging car brands that looks to make a name for itself in the Philippine market. This Chinese automaker arrived on our shores in 2020, a time when the global health crisis drastically challenged businesses, especially the new ones.

But that didn't stop Changan Motor Philippines Inc., from bringing its expansion plans to fruition with the inauguration of its new National Headquarters in Calamba City, Laguna.

The company is also closing the year strong with the launching of two new futuristic-looking SUV/crossover models to the local lineup.

Envisioned to set the standards for the Changan business in the country, the new CMPI national headquarters is seated on a 2,300-sqm. of space. It has a 3S (sales, service, spare parts) facility, which aims to cater to the mobility needs of customers.

The building houses training facilities that are set to embody the brand's world-class operations. In case you haven't heard by now, Changan is part of the Top 4 homegrown auto manufacturers in China. Not only that, Changan is also one of the world's top 15 automakers with cumulative sales of 2.3 million units.

Leading the charge to the brand's Philippine expansion are Changan models such as the Alsvin sedan, and CS35 Plus and CS75 Plus crossovers. The Changan CS55 Plus also joined the fray last November 2022, which takes aim at the likes of the Ford Territory, Honda CR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross.

As mentioned earlier, the inauguration of the new HQ also saw two new models, namely the Uni-T and Uni-K. CMPI has expanded the brand's product portfolio by offering these two crossovers as the more premium alternatives to the aforementioned models.

Seeing the Changan Uni-T in the metal reminded me of luxurious crossover models from Japan. It features unique design cues, which Changan describes as a spaceship "straight out of a sci-fi film." The Uni-T uses Changan's 1.5-liter Blue Core turbo engine with 177 horsepower and 300N-m of torque.

Meanwhile, the Changan Uni-K is the bigger sibling in the Uni Crossover Series. The interior stands out for me, so far, with its smart quadruple screen interactive layout, a huge sunroof, use of gloss black trims, premium-looking black seats, and a 12-speaker system. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter Changan Blue Core turbo mill that makes 229 horsepower and 390 N-m of torque.

CMPI is offering the Uni-T and Uni-K at P1,679,000 and P2,719,000, respectively. These could be your ticket to owning premium crossovers without breaking the bank. Take note that these models are available for indent orders only at Changan dealerships nationwide.

Another model available for indent order is the Changan Eado EV460, CMPI's answer to the growing electric vehicle market in the country. To tap into the all-electric car future, the company launched its first-ever EV charging station at its new headquarters in Laguna.

With all that being said, CMPI is locked and loaded to become more competitive in the coming years. It will enter 2023 with mass-market cars, premium mobility options under the new Uni Crossover Series, an EV infrastructure, and the new national headquarters.