Earlier today, we reported that Jetour will have another plug-in hybrid (PHEV) crossover SUV in the form of the S08 i-DM. Since the Department of Energy (DOE) has already recognized the S08 i-DM as a PHEV, it means we can expect Jetour Auto Philippines Inc. (JAPI) to launch the vehicle later this year.

Since it will come from one of Chery's sub-brands, does this mean the S08 i-DM will carry the Soueast badge? Well, according to a reliable source, the upcoming 7-seater PHEV will have the Jetour badge once it arrives here. That means the Soueast branding will not be used for the Philippine market.

But why the Soueast name to begin with? Well, before being bought by Chery, Soueast (South East Fujian Motor Co. Limited) used to manufacture Mitsubishi vehicles for the Chinese market. The company was founded in 1995 and was a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group, and Mitsubishi Motors.

When Mitsubishi Motors left the joint venture with Soueast in 2021, Chery picked up the brand in 2024, and it became part of the automaker's portfolio. Now, Soueast makes rebadged versions of Jetour vehicles. In fact, the S08 is the rebadged model of the Jetour X70L for the Chinese market.

With the Jetour S08 i-DM PHEV all set for its Philippine debut, expect the brand to reveal more details closer to launch.