INCHCAPE, a leading global automotive distributor, is poised for significant growth in the Philippines.
During a recent press conference with Alex Hammett, Managing Director, South Asia & Pacific, Inchcape, and Frankie Ang, Chief Operating Officer, Inchcape Philippines, at the site of a new Changan dealership under development, discussions centered on Inchcape’s strategic expansion plans in the Philippines.
This news comes on the heels of Inchcape’s announcement in 2021 outlining their entry into the Philippine market through a joint venture with CATS Group of Companies (CATS), the leading distributor of luxury vehicles in the country. The joint venture, Inchcape Philippines Inc., leverages Inchcape’s global expertise and CATS Group’s strong local presence to establish a robust automotive distribution network in the Philippines.
Hammet knows the industry both in the region and globally having served in several markets and now managing countries including Guam and Thailand.
“The Philippines is a shoe in,” Hammet told Malaya Business Insight. “With CATS as our partner, we are quickly moving from strategies to executions, combining the best of the traditions and experiences of CATS as a distributor of premium brands, as well as mass market automobiles. Inchcape’s entry into the Philippines meant the acquisition of a controlling stake in CATS to which Frankie Ang, CATS CEO was visibly elated.
“The partnership with Inchchape works both ways,” Ang said. “The Philippines is a new market for Inchcape, solidifying their presence in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. With their DDC (Digital Delivery Center) we too are learning new ways of marketing and selling cars.
For Inchchape, the joint venture also strengthens both its geographic reach and brand partnerships, adding RAM to its portfolio while expanding current partnerships with Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Jaguar, and Land Rover. It also quickens the execution of their Accelerate strategy which focuses on expanding Inchcape’s brand presence in markets with low vehicle penetration but high growth potential.
“Combine that global leadership with digital capabilities, CATS extensive experience in this market and Inchchape’s strong market growth as well as its expertise in digital and data analysis, positions them for success in the Philippines.
Since its establishment in 2021, Inchcape Philippines has taken significant strides.
First, is the establishment of the Digital Delivery Center (DDC) to provide digital and data analytics support for the entire Inchcape Group, showcasing their commitment to innovation and technology-driven solutions.

Second, is the development of a huge multi-brand service center that stands in the 1.8-hectare compound that currently houses the Inchchape headquarters, the Mazda showroom and service center, and the soon-to-be-opened Changan dealership.
The service center is state of the art–with equipment that will service all brands and specialty services, like aluminum welding and forming that is unique only to CATS motors to service Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles as well as other brands that use aluminum body panels.
Third, the setting up of the new Changan dealership means a reboot of the brand under Inchcape Philippines. Changan, a major Chinese automaker, is known for its affordable and reliable vehicles.
Both Ang and Hammet consider Changan an important brand to serve a wider customer base and contribute to the growth of the Philippine automotive market. The significant industry experience and commitment of the joint venture to the local market will only mean better things to come, according to Ang who also hinted that very soon EVs will also be part of the whole roster of vehicles of the brand.