Inchcape Philippines, the official distributor of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram in the country, celebrated Women’s Month on March 19 by hosting a day drive with a select group of female journalists, the women behind the two American car brands at Inchcape, and Jeep brand ambassador Michelle Marquez Dee.
The event highlighted the strength and abilities of women, especially in a traditionally male-dominated field, by having the guests take the wheel of equally empowered and capable vehicles: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and the Ram 1500 Rebel. While the drive to Tagaytay was only a couple of hours and didn’t feature any off-roading, it showed the versatility of these models outside of their usual 4x4 environment.
At the CDJR Greenhills dealership, the participants were assigned their vehicles. Our executive editor Sharleen Banzon got to drive the 1500 Rebel, one of the few full-size pickups to land on our shores. Currently priced at P5.78 million, it’s powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six engine that puts out 420hp and 635Nm of torque. For something that can carry almost 900kg in its bed or tow close to 5,250kg, it actually feels very civilized to drive, staying composed over road imperfections and through quicker turns. Somehow, it also feels smaller than it really is—at least until it’s time to park in our typical cramped spaces.
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After lunch at the Highlander Steakhouse in Tagaytay Highlands, the participants gathered for coffee and a roundtable discussion presided over by Dee. They talked about how the perception and roles of women—on the road, in the industry, and in society—have changed and gotten better over the years, and what could still be improved in terms of helping women recognize their worth and defy limitations.
The mothers in the group also shared how they are shaping their young daughters into empowered individuals with the courage and determination to become whatever they want to be.
The event was simple and short, but through the drive and the discussion, everyone got to experience what Jeep and Ram represent, not just as off-road vehicles but as a brand: freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion.
