Industry veteran Jun Cajayon takes helm of GAC Motor Philippines

Ahead of the launch of the Empow and all-new GS8 on Jan. 18, 2023, GAC Motor Philippines announced the appointment of its new brand head.

Astara Philippines, which is the new local distributor of the Chinese brand, said in a January 2023 press statement that Redentor “Jun” Cajayon will be taking the post.

Cajayon has over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing and network development in the automotive industry. He had served as general manager of another Chinese car marque, Maxus Philippines.

Astara said Cajayon will handle GAC Motor Philippines’ strategic marketing direction, sales program and dealer network development.

“We have achieved significant milestones in our first year with Peugeot and we are confident that we will do the same for GAC Motor this year,” said Astara Philippines managing director Raoul Picello.

“Jun is a seasoned executive with an impressive track record, and we are happy to have him on board to drive GAC Motor to new heights through impactful marketing and sales campaigns,” he added.

New distributor deal

Astara took over the distributorship of GAC Motor Philippines on December 2022 amid the Chinese brand's lagging sales.

It started operating in the Philippines in 2018 under Legado Motors Inc., with former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson as its chairman and president.

Legado will remain as a GAC Motor Philippines dealer.

Astara has also been the official Philippine distributor of Peugeot since January 2022. The French car brand posted a 297-percent sales growth from November 2021 to November 2022.

5-car GAC Motor lineup

Including the upcoming Empow sedan and GS8 sport-utility vehicle, the new GAC Motor Philippines lineup will have five models.

The other three are the GS3 and GS4 crossovers, along with the GN6 multi-purpose vehicle. Based on this announcement, it seems that the GA4 sedan and the GN8 van will be dropped.

Astara also said GAC Motor will open new showrooms and service facilities by March 2023 to further expand its network reach across the country.

The company currently has seven dealerships nationwide and faces stiff competition from bigger Chinese brands like Geely and MG.

Do you think GAC Motor Philippines’ new head can make the brand stronger?