Inchcape Philippines and Changan have mutually agreed not to renew their distribution partnership in the country. The companies announced the decision, citing Changan’s own long-term plans for the Philippine market as the reason.

The partnership enters a transition period that runs through Q4 2026. During this time, existing customer commitments remain in place, including aftersales support, warranty coverage, parts, and service.

Alex Hammett, Inchcape’s Managing Director for South Asia & Pacific, said Inchcape Philippines and Changan have worked together since 2023 to build the Changan brand locally, supported by Inchcape’s distribution network and dealer relationships.

He thanked the Inchcape Philippines team and dealer partners for their role in that effort over the past three years.

Inchcape says the Philippines remains a key market for the company. It continues to distribute Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, trucks, and buses, along with Jaguar Land Rover, and operates the retail business for Harley-Davidson locally. The company’s stated focus going forward is growing its existing portfolio and introducing new products to Filipino customers.

The Philippines also houses Inchcape’s Digital Delivery Centre and Global Business Services teams, which together employ more than 700 people supporting the company’s global operations.

Further details on arrangements after the transition period, including Changan’s next distribution partner, have not yet been announced.

Electric vehicles have been simmering in some hot water for a while now, but it’s not because of a reason you might be thinking of. Instead of its performance or even its reliability, the world’s modern vehicle is fretting over its door handles. Over the feature’s potential risks in a life-or-death situations, carmakers in China, including Tesla, are recalling around 4.3 million vehicles in the country.

When it comes to door handles, electric vehicles today are known for creating hidden ones that sit flush on a car door. These handles appear only when needed and automatically retract into the door when not in use.

For a while now, governments have been worried about them, citing concerns that they don’t offer easy exits during threatening scenarios. There have been incidents when the handles don’t pop up while a car is on fire, preventing both the car’s occupants and rescuers from opening the door.

Today, via Reuters, nine carmakers, including Tesla, are recalling 4.3 million vehicles from the country over these same door handles. Moreso than domestic brands, Tesla finds itself leading this pack with almost 3 million units. The other eight brands include Xiaomi and Geely.

This recall is responding to China’s latest regulation to ban hidden door handles starting 2027. Other measures include installing mechanical releases. Some brands are also rolling out software updates which automatically lower the car’s windows in case of an emergency, offering another exit for trapped occupants.

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AI-driven mobility company XPENG is launching in the Philippines next month, adding to the list of smart electric vehicle (EV) players in the market.

XPENG Philippines will commence operations as the country’s direct subsidiary, as well as national sales and marketing company.

As part of the launch, XPENG will launch two smart EV models: the XPENG X9 and XPENG L03.

The XPENG X9 is the brand’s flagship intelligent seven-seater. It is positioned as an EV for executive-class comfort, featuring AI-powered technologies and a premium cabin for modern families, businesses, and professionals.

Meanwhile, the XPENG L03 is an intelligent SUV coupe that brings together a contemporary design, AI-powered innovation, and software-defined mobility. It promises to deliver a smarter, more intuitive driving experience for today’s car owners.

Additional pricing details, variants, and complete specifications of each model, as well as their availability, will be unveiled soon.

XPENG is a global AI technology company based in Guangzhou, China. It specializes in smart EVs, driven by a mission to shape the future of mobility through innovation.

The company designs, develops, manufactures, and markets such vehicles, supported by its in-house, full-stack, advanced driver-assistance system, smart in-car OS, and core vehicle technologies.

The brand has a presence in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America.