Inchcape Philippines and Changan have agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the Philippines, with the current arrangement set to enter a transition period through the fourth quarter of 2026.
The companies announced the planned change on August 26, saying the decision comes as Changan moves forward with its long-term plans for the Philippine market. Details of the arrangements that will follow the transition have yet to be announced.
For existing Changan customers, however, the companies said there will be no immediate change to their support. Customer commitments covering aftersales service, warranties, parts and other service requirements will remain valid throughout the transition period.
Inchcape Philippines and Changan began working together in 2023, with Inchcape providing its local automotive expertise, distribution capabilities and dealer network to help build the Chinese brand’s presence in the country.
“Since 2023, Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together to build the Changan brand in the Philippines,” said Alex Hammett, Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific at Inchcape.
Hammett also thanked Inchcape employees and dealer partners for their contribution to developing and supporting Changan in the Philippines, while assuring customers and business partners that the company will provide support during the transition.
Despite the end of the Changan distribution partnership, Inchcape said the Philippines remains an important market for its operations. The company will continue to distribute Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, trucks and buses, as well as Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, while also operating Harley-Davidson’s retail business in the country.
Inchcape also highlighted its broader operations in the Philippines, including its Digital Delivery Centre and Global Business Services teams. Together, these operations employ more than 700 people and provide support for Inchcape’s global business.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition for Changan customers, dealers and other stakeholders. Inchcape and Changan said further information about the post-transition arrangements will be communicated once they are confirmed.
The development marks the end of a three-year distribution partnership, but it also leaves the next chapter of Changan’s operations in the Philippine market open as the brand advances its long-term plans.
Autocar’s Take
The end of the Inchcape Philippines and Changan distribution partnership is an interesting development, particularly because the Chinese brand‘s next move in the Philippine market has yet to be revealed. The immediate priority should be reassuring existing customers that warranties, parts and aftersales support will continue during the transition. That is important because a change in distributor can naturally raise questions about ownership support.
Inchcape, meanwhile, appears intent on keeping its focus on its established automotive portfolio in the Philippines. With the transition running through Q4 2026, there is still time for Changan to outline its next direction and show customers what comes next.
So, what’s next for Changan in the Phiippines? There is no official announcent as of this writing. This scenarior is nothing new, especially for Chinese car brands.
For example, Geely used to be under Sojitz G Auto Philippines Corporation (SGAP). It ended ties with SGAP and reentered the local market in 2025 under direct management by Geely Automotive International Corporation (GAICP), with Geely Motor Philippines as its new official local distributor.
The same thing happened to GAC when its local parent company, Astara, closed down, earlier this year, which prompted GAC Group to directly handle its local business, thus establishing GAC International Philippines, Inc.
Going by this trend, Changan Philippines could go the same route and realign its operations under its global parent company, Changan Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (CCAG).
Of course, all will fall into place once Changan Philippines releases an official statement.
