Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Changan and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is seeing stronger momentum in the country’s growing electrified vehicle (EV) market. Case in point: both Changan and Mercedes-Benz posted notable gains in battery electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in Q1 of 2026.
Based on data from the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI), Changan ranked fifth in both the BEV and PHEV categories, while Mercedes-Benz secured top 10 and top 7 positions in the BEV and PHEV segments, respectively.
The figures solidify the continued rise of electrified mobility in the country as more consumers begin exploring alternatives to traditional combustion-powered vehicles. According to Inchcape Philippines Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific Alex Hammett, the performance puts into focus the importance of offering a wider range of mobility choices for different types of buyers.
Changan recorded a 168% year-on-year increase in BEV sales, driven primarily by the Changan Lumin, the brand’s compact city-focused EV hatchback. Pegged as an affordable entry point into EV ownership, the Lumin is currently Changan’s sole BEV offering in the Philippines.
The Chinese automaker also posted a significant 970% increase in PHEV sales. Leading the charge are the Nevo Q05 compact SUV, the Nevo A05 sedan, and the Nevo Hunter K50. The Hunter K50 also stands out as the country’s first four-wheel-drive EV pickup, offering more than 1,000 km of claimed total driving range.
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Philippines continued strengthening its foothold in the luxury electrified segment through its growing EQ lineup. The German marque ranked 10th in BEV sales with models such as the EQS, EQB, EQE Sedan, EQA, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV helping expand its local electric portfolio.
In the PHEV category, Mercedes-Benz achieved a 215% increase in sales versus the previous year, placing seventh overall. Contributing to the growth are the GLE 400 e, E 350 e, and GLC 350 e, all of which combine electric driving capability with the brand’s traditional focus on refinement and performance.
Autocar’s Take
What makes this development interesting is how the local EV conversation is no longer limited to luxury buyers or early adopters. Changan and Mercedes-Benz may sit on opposite ends of the market, but both are benefiting from the same shift: Filipino motorists are starting to view electrified vehicles as practical options rather than experimental ones.
The variety now available, from compact city EVs to luxury electric SUVs and even electrified pickups, shows a market slowly finding its footing. The challenge, moving forward, is no longer just awareness. It’s whether infrastructure, pricing, and long-term ownership support can keep pace with growing consumer curiosity.
Both Changan and Mercedes-Benz, under Inchcape Philippines’ leadership, can work things out well in terms of pricing and long-term ownership. But it’s the infrastructure that poses the most pressing hurdle at the moment, not only for Changan and Mercedes-Benz, but for many car brands operating in the local market today that are pushing for electrified mobility — particularly those who banner full EVs and plug-in hybrids.
