Lifan joins China auto entry to Philippine market

Another Chinese car maker has entered the Philippine market, after Chery and Foton, promising to break the long-held domination of the Japanese and change the local automotive landscape.

With a short array of sub-compact sedans (1.3-1.6 liter engines) for its initial offering, Lifan Cars has served notice of its long-haul plan and give the Filipino consumers more choices not only in terms of features, engine performance and accessories, but also prices.

Nelson Ong, president of Lifan Cars Philippines, said at last week’s launching and formal opening of its headquarters/showroom on bustling West Avenue in Quezon City: “We will be introducing to Philippine clients an exciting vehicle. A car with high-end features that is totally affordable.”

Lifan, which made a name for itself as maker of motorcycles as well as truck and bus engines, is setting sights on sales of 800 units of compact sedans for its first year of Philippine operations. Lifan completes the troika of China’s car makers in the Philippines after Chery and Foton, which came in earlier.

For its initial foray, Lifan Cars is unveiling the LF520, a subcompact sedan.

"Our vision is that all Filipinos would be able to call an LF520 their own," Ong said.

LF520 is powered by a 1.6L Tritec engine, with a SOHC 16-valve head and electronic throttle control delivering a maximum torque of 149 Newton-meter. Standard safety features include ABS, driver’s and front passenger airbags, and side-impact protection system (SIPS).

Lifan Cars executive vice president and general manager William Agcaoili said that environment-conscious people would be happy riding the LF520 as its engine meets the strict Euro III emissions requirements. The LF520 has passed international standards such as the strict European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP), which awarded it with four stars.