UAAGI: Building an Automotive Multiverse
First Drive: Lynk & Co, BAIC, Chery and Foton
I’ve never been more confused after coming back from a drive.
Any test drive involving the media and press (and lately social media personalities) involves the familiar prefab formula of bringing out one new model for us to drive to some destination and back, often with scenic locations and routes that flex the car’s capabilities. In the case of a new distributor, they bring out the whole brand lineup for us to try on a long drive.
This one is different. Because don’t have just one car to focus on, nor do we have one brand to experience. We had four brands to check out, and each had its own lineup for us to take on and try. We were in the automotive equivalent of a restaurant with full buffet stations for Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Western, Middle Eastern, Thai, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisine in one place.
Actually, it was Chinese, but anyone who has visited China and explored the many cities and locales around the continent-sized country knows that the flavors are as diverse as they come. That’s the multiverse UAAGI is building, and that’s what they wanted to show us with a multi-brand experience involving Foton, Chery, BAIC, and Lynk & Co.
The origins of UAAGI is really UA. If you frequented Subic and its many duty-free shops, seaside beaches, and bars in the noughties, chances are you’ve passed by UA: United Auctioneers. They don’t do artwork auctions or rare collectible cars (to my knowledge) where you come in dressed like Bond, James Bond and raise a paddle to bid. People go to UA if they need equipment to build, and build big.
From strength to strength, UA went. And then they started to venture into the automotive space in 2006, growing year on year. Now, we’ll sample as much as we can to see how far they have come.
Lynk & Co
This year alone, UAAGI opened up as the distributor of two new brands, but the most anticipated had to be Lynk & Co.; the premium marque of Geely. Yes, the same Geely that changed the automotive landscape here by showing customers that Chinese cars have progressed far beyond what they are still perceived to be by some.
Lynk & Co is starting with three models: the 01 PHEV, the 05 AWD, and the 06 SUV. The numbering, however, is a bit deceiving; while logic says that the numerical order should indicate the size of the vehicle (e.g. BMW 1-2-3-4-5 Series), Lynk & Co doesn’t follow that trend. The 01 isn’t the smallest; rather, it’s the biggest. The 06 isn’t the biggest; it’s the smallest. And the 05, well at least that makes a bit of sense: it’s in the middle. There’s also an 03, but that isn’t available yet.
We had wanted to try out the 06 because it’s practically a Coolray but leveled up. Alas, we didn’t have a schedule for that because of the sheer number of participants on the drive. What we got instead was the 05 in all-wheel drive. And indeed, it exceeds my expectations of a Geely but is made to meet higher standards.
Yes, Lynk & Co is the more upscale marque of Geely like when you step up from IKEA to Crate & Barrel. It’s not the kind of premium where they adorn the interior with all kinds of faux wood. They went for a more youthful type of premium, and you can see it with the way they selected the materials, the tighter build tolerances, and the overall solid feel of everything inside. The technology is perhaps the most impressive part, though it can be overwhelming given the amount of information presented to the driver on the screens.
The drive does impress. The turbo gasoline engine is sweet when you floor it on the expressway; one must be careful not to get any speeding tickets because this thing is properly quick with over 250 horses available, a neatly tuned all-wheel drive system, and a dual-clutch transmission that works well even in urban traffic. The only thing that may polarize people is the look; it’s not for everyone, and Lynk & Co was definitely taking a risk with the way they have the lights arranged. But still, we like the feel, the stance, and the fastback appeal of the 05.
BAIC
2024 also marked the arrival of BAIC in the UAAGI garage and marked the second time that UAAGI took on a brand that had a challenging first stint in the local market.
This time, UAAGI is trying something different with BAIC: they’re going for the enthusiast market. Sure, there are the usual crossover offerings, but what really stands out is that the vehicles they selected do stand out.
For one, you get the B40 (AKA BJ40 in China). This 4x4 offers Wrangler-level off-road thrills with its locking front and rear differentials, chunky tires, tall ground clearance, and removable roof panels. The difference is they selected a turbodiesel engine instead of a thirsty gasoline engine like a V6, V8, or turbo 4-cylinder.
Then there’s the B60 (AKA BJ60 in China) a vehicle that proved to be very popular at MIAS, especially at the simulated off-road course in front of the venue. Think of it like a Land Cruiser with more features but at a much lower price tag. And then there’s the B80 (AKA BJ80) which just evokes the classic 4x4 SUV feel like a G Wagon.
Yes, BAIC does take quite a bit of inspiration from some very well-known 4x4 models. That’s just how it is in the industry; brands adopt each other’s features, design elements, engineering, and other bits and pieces to a certain degree, and some more than others. What matters more to us is that they work to make it their own, and improve upon the originals if possible.
We didn’t get seat time in the BAICs this time because I’ve already driven the B40 and B60. Personally, I’m of the opinion there is serious potential with BAIC if the pricing is right; the B40, B60, and B80 are priced adequately, but not exactly compelling yet because these vehicles exceed the 1.5L advantage when it comes to tariffs. If they can improve pricing and perhaps select alternative badges for the vehicles, these would really be compelling in the market.
Chery
In 2019, UAAGI really surprised us: they decided to fly to Wuhu to meet with Chery and sign the distributorship agreement. I personally didn’t think the brand could successfully come back after several tries, but UAAGI gladly put those concerns to rest. Perhaps that’s why Chery was emboldened to start bringing new energy to the drive.
They had three: the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV, the Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV, and the EQ7. I do wish I got seat time in the EQ7, as I have been getting the hang of pure EV driving as of late, but the PHEV version of the larger Tiggo 8 Pro will do very nicely.
This thing is loaded to the hilt with equipment, and it has power, and lots of torque. Such is the benefit of the combination of electric and internal combustion. And there’s no range anxiety at all with a PHEV. Even if we were in the EQ7, it wouldn’t have been a problem because our destination in Subic already has chargers available on-site. And yes, it’s also part of the UA group.
That perhaps is the secret to UAAGI’s growth: they invest aggressively. They put their money where their mouth is, and they do it in the right places when it comes to their operations. While many typically highlight technology or features or value for money, UAAGI puts just as much work into aftersales service and backing up their warranty.
If there’s an issue, there’s no argument about whether or not it’s covered. They fix it. There hasn’t been much in the way of drama on social media either. Any complaint about a product is sorted out swiftly, and the problem is addressed. That is what any reputable automotive brand should be doing.
Foton
While the story of UAAGI with Lynk & Co, BAIC, and Chery has only just begun, it was with Foton that they really cut their teeth 18 years ago. This was the company’s first baby, arriving at a time when very few believed in the potential of Chinese automobiles.
Those first few models I remember well. Those early Fotons weren’t pretty, smooth, comfortable, or quiet, but those were rugged vehicles that got the job done. Simple as that.
Today’s Foton models couldn’t be further from those vehicles. Sure, the heavy-duty lineup is still very much truck as can be, but the new line of vehicles meant for those who want a truck that you’ll enjoy riding as much as you’ll enjoy hauling in has definitely evolved. That certainly is the case for the new range of Foton Thunder trucks; the successor to the loud and tough Foton Blizzard from more than a decade ago. Heck, they even had an EV version of the Thunder in the fleet.
Unfortunately, we won’t have seat time in those vehicles, but that’s just as well. What I had my eye on was any of the new Tunlands; the new big pickups from Foton. We’ve become accustomed to trucks like Hilux, Navara, Triton, and the like, but for anything bigger, you had to go to the more expensive American brands at a higher price. With the Tunland, you’re looking at about the same price as the smaller trucks.
There are two kinds of Tunland: the V9 and V7. They share the same 2.0L turbo-diesel mild hybrid engines, the same transmissions, options for 4x4 or 4x2, the same feature sets, and the like. The real difference is that the V9 had coil spring suspension in the rear for better comfort, while the V7 that we got to drive had leaf springs in the back.
Even though we didn’t get seat time in the V9, we found the V7 to be very good on the road. Yes, you feel a bit more of the road without cargo, but it just feels so good to drive something like this without the thirsty gasoline V8 or V6.
But Foton has something else that only a few can match: local assembly. No, the Tunland is still a CBU, but a lot of their local models are actually assembled in Clark. From the Harabas cab-over light duty trucks to big buses and modern PUVs, they build it on a section of the former site of Nayong Pilipino in Clark.
That’s the real investment made by UAAGI to the local economy. Manufacturing means jobs, and jobs means over 700 Kapampangans can pay amortizations, put food on the table, and send kids to school.
As we pull in to Acea in Subic, I can’t help but be impressed at the gigantic strides made by Foton. What we got was but a supermarket taste test of what Foton, Lynk & Co, Chery, and BAIC have to offer, and UAAGI is there to back their brands every step of the way.
That’s the flex: the new culture and elevated morale and confidence within the company. While it was very unusual to have a drive involving four different brands, only UAAGI could have done it. They have become a multi-brand powerhouse in the industry. That’s why customers are putting their trust in brands with UAAGI at the helm, and it’s no surprise why many senior executives and personnel that we respect are joining UAAGI: a place where you can try new things and drive forward with a challenger spirit.
The only speed bump in their way -the only real hurdle- is something they can’t do anything about. That’s a conversation for a different time, and over different drinks.
