It's true what they say, that a lot can happen within a short period. We see this in basketball games when teams still lose after leading by a big margin with only a minute left in regulation or when you stand in line for your favorite donut flavor only to be told that the last piece was just bought by someone else.

The same goes with vehicle brands. More than a year ago, there were only a handful of Chinese-made vehicles and they were still at a stage where they had to do a lot of work in convincing the public that their vehicles were more than just low-priced, stylish rides.

Fast forward to last week. Along with other motoring journalists I was able to drive (from Alabang to Lipa City and back) the newly launched Emkoo, which is a five-seater compact crossover SUV from Chinese automaker GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co. Ltd.) that has been generating buzz since it was introduced to the public at the Manila International Auto Show last April.

Indeed, Chinese automakers have come a long way. Aided by sophisticated computerized design tools, they are now able to create their own designs and sophisticated drivetrains. GAC, in particular, has ramped up its innovation efforts and successfully released top-notch quality vehicles, providing the Philippine market with attractive choices.

"This trip basically allows the participant to appreciate the Emkoo and its safety features. We want to tell the market that this is one excellent family ride and a good choice for one's first vehicle," assured Franz Decloedt, brand head of GAC Motor, who shared that GAC is set to exceed its 2,000-unit sales target by year-end as it has already sold over 1,500 units year to date, up 305 percent from last year.

"October proved to be our 'best-ever' sales performance and we are excited for the November and December results. GAC has already sold over a hundred Emkoos and we are expecting that this particular model will contribute more to the company's total unit sales."

Our convoy, composed of five Emkoo crossover SUVs, started the trip at the soon-to-be inaugurated GAC showroom along Alabang-Zapote Road near Filinvest Avenue in Muntinlupa City and after a three-hour travel, found ourselves enjoying the famous kapeng barako at Casa Marikit in Lipa City, Batangas.