Jetour Auto Philippines Inc. joins CAMPI

By Ezekiel Romualdez

JETOUR Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI) has made a strategic move to accelerate its growth trajectory in 2024 by officially becoming the 15th associate member of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), the country’s largest auto industry organization.

Effective February 1, 2024, JETOUR joined CAMPI alongside 22 other renowned brands, marking a unified effort to drive unprecedented growth in the local automotive sector. In a meeting formalizing JETOUR’s membership, CAMPI President Atty. Rommel Gutierrez expressed confidence in JAPI’s potential contribution to the industry’s goals for the year.

Gutierrez stated, “We see the potential of JETOUR Auto Philippines in further advancing the automotive industry. Our outlook for the industry remains positive, and we aim to maintain the momentum of the 9% growth experienced in 2023, targeting 468,300 vehicles sold.”

Responding to the endorsement, JAPI Managing Director Miguelito Jose emphasized the significance of CAMPI membership for the company’s expansion plans. “Becoming a CAMPI member enhances JAPI’s position in an increasingly competitive industry. CAMPI stands as the pinnacle organization in the automotive sector, with its members comprising some of the world’s most reputable brands. Joining this esteemed group to contribute towards achieving record-high industry sales is an opportunity we are keen to seize,” remarked Mr. Jose.

Buoyed by its CAMPI affiliation, JAPI has set ambitious targets for 2024, projecting a substantial increase in vehicle sales from 1,018 units sold in the first nine months of 2023 to 3,700 units by the year’s end, including 700 electric vehicles. Additionally, the company has embarked on an aggressive dealership network expansion program, aiming to double its presence from 5 to 10 dealerships in Metro Manila and from 7 to 14 in the provinces.

In a further testament to its commitment to the Philippine market, JAPI has secured participation in the prestigious Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS 2024), scheduled from October 24 to 28, 2024. As a showcase event organized by CAMPI, PIMS provides a platform for members to exhibit their latest products, models, and automotive technologies.

At PIMS 2024, JAPI plans to showcase the JETOUR brand’s acclaimed lineup of stylish, intelligent, and multi-functional SUVs, C-SUVs, and EVs, including the JETOUR X70 Journey, Travel, Sport, and Plus variants, alongside the JETOUR Dashing gasoline-powered SUV, JETOUR Ice Cream EV, and the recently launched limited-edition JETOUR Dashing Symphony.

Established in 2018 as part of Chery Automobile Co Ltd in Wuhu, China, the JETOUR brand has rapidly expanded its global footprint, boasting over 1 million owners worldwide by January 2024. JAPI introduced the JETOUR brand to the Philippine market in March 2023, achieving growth rates that have outpaced industry competitors during its initial operational period.

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Open-ear explained: the functional choice

01/29/2024

Most of us living our daily grind has us packing all sorts of gadgets; from power banks to portable fans, we’ve got our own arsenal of devices that we use on a daily basis. And one of the most common things you’ll probably find — a pair of headphones.

Or in 2024, it’ll most likely be a pair of TWS earbuds or something in that form.

Recently, Huawei just announced its latest TWS — the open-ear FreeClip. Also on the market other options like the Sony LinkBuds or Shokz. But all in common are their open-ear designs. There are many benefits to this form factor but of course, it isn’t without faults.

What is open-ear and what are its benefits

Open-ear headphones, true to their name, don’t entirely cover or block the ears, allowing you to enjoy your music while staying attuned to your surroundings. These headphones, popular among outdoor enthusiasts and runners, offer a safety advantage by keeping you fully aware during activities. The magic lies in bone conduction technology, a concept dating back to Beethoven’s era. By bypassing the eardrum and sending vibrations directly to the inner ear, open-ear headphones provide an unconventional but immersive experience.

But why the shift towards open-ear headphones? Beyond their safety benefits, these headphones offer an immersive experience without disconnecting you from reality. True open-ear headphones do not seal off the ear canal, ensuring users remain connected to the ambient sounds.

Having gone through a pandemic, we should be more aware of hygiene. Open-ear headphones shine here given they just sit on the surface, avoiding the warm and moist environment of the ear canal. While it still varies, most design rests comfortably around the top of the ear. Apart from being more hygienic, this form factor offers better comfort for long-term wear.

Are open-ear headphones flawless? No. Achieving high sound quality can be a challenge, and they may struggle in noisy environments, too. So if you’re a biker in midst of a traffic jam, for example, your music may get drowned out.

But in any case, for those who appreciate what open-ear options bring to the table, it does offer an experience.

Is it for you?

A handful of options are available if you’re in the market for a pair of open-ear/bone-conduction headphones. One of the more attractive ones would be Huawei’s FreeClip but you’ve got options from Sony, Oladance if you want the best of the best, and the ever-popular Shokz to name a few. We were also able to try the Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction neckband and it wasn’t bad either.

Should you switch to open-ear? If you love your tunes but also want to stay aware of the world around you, open-ear headphones are worth checking out. Perfect for joggers and outdoor enthusiasts, they let you enjoy your music while keeping you in the loop, enhancing safety during activities. Plus, if you dig genres like classical music or are into podcasts and audiobooks, open-ear headphones may deliver a better overall experience.

Choosing between open-ear and regular headphones is all about context. If you’re hitting the outdoors and need to stay aware, open-ear is the way to go. But if you’re in a cozy, controlled setting and just want to drown out the world, traditional in-ear headphones might be your jam. Ultimately, if you’re after a blend of safety, comfort, and a cool audio experience, open-ear headphones could be the perfect match for your music journey.