The entry of Chinese automotive brands and their sub-brands into the Philippine market continues, with no indication of a slowdown.

According to a source familiar with internal developments at Changan Auto Philippines, the company is reportedly planning to introduce its Deepal and Avatr sub-brands to the local market.

Deepal and Avatr are sub-brands of Changan Automobile in China, offering fully electric and range-extended models. Deepal is majority-owned by Changan, while Avatr is a joint venture between Changan and lithium-ion battery producer CATL, with technical support from Huawei.

Unlike other Chinese automotive manufacturers in the Philippines that have launched sub-brands through separate distribution networks, it appears that Changan, Deepal, and Avatr will remain under the distribution of Inchcape.

This corresponds with several vehicles listed under the Department of Energy's recognised vehicle line-up, including the Deepal G318 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and the Avatr 11 electric vehicle (EV), both listed with the Changan name preceding the sub-brand.

These models are expected to be among the first introduced locally. From a naming standpoint, the continued use of the Changan brand may support identification of the Deepal and Avatr products, given the existing presence of Changan in the Philippine market.